Previous rumors that Netflix would release the first season of Blue Eye Samurai in November proved to be correct.
The show's entire run will premiere on November 3, according to the trailer. Check out the new footage and a stylish poster below.
Speaking to Netflix's TUDUM, co-creator Amber Noizumi stated, "It’s an Edo-period tale of revenge — Kill Bill meets Yentl."
Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049) added, "We want people to sink into it and be taken by the story and the level of artistry and forget they’re watching animation. We would love this to cross over into every interest — that if you like The Witcher, if you like animation, if you like Game of Thrones, if you like The Crown, if you like historical drama, if you like Shakespeare in Love, if you like Tarantino movies, there’s something in Blue Eye Samurai for you."
The series protagonist is named Mizu (Maya Erskine), a mixed-race, female samurai warrior who masquerades as a man. Joining Mizu is Akemi (Brenda Song), a young noblewoman who on the surface, appears to conform to Edo-period societal standards for women but has a tougher interior underneath.
A character named Taigen (Darren Barnet) also plays an important role in the series. Though not of noble blood, his skill with the sword allowed him to rise in Japan's ancient feudal system but Mizu's arrival threatens to upset all that he's achieved. There's also the Swordmaker (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), Mizu's care provider who raised her after tragedy struck.
The fictional story is set in 17th-century Japan, when there are only four Caucasian men in the entire nation and the country's borders are closed to outsiders. The father of Mizu and the source of her accursed blue eyes is likely one of these individuals. To hide her blue eyes, which decidedly announce her foreign heritage, Mizu dons some rather stylish spectacles.
Though it's a story that focuses on Japanese history, samurais and katanas, Green and Noizumi were clear on the distinction that the show should not be considered anime.
"It’s a 2D/3D hybrid, utilizing technologies of both. But even when we use 3D, we wanted it to have a 2D handcrafted feel", said Green.
Rounding out the voice cast are George Takei (Seki), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (The Swordmaker), Randall Park (Heiji Shindo), Kenneth Branagh (Abijah Fowler), Stephanie Hsu (Ise), Ming-Na Wen (Madame Kaji), Harry Shum Jr. (Takayoshi), and Mark Dacascos (Chiaki).
In JAPAN in 1633 MIZU is branded as an outsider due to piercing blue eyes and sets out on a journey of revenge, coming into contact with the young noblewoman, AKEMI…