Released in 2021, "Yasuke" is an anime miniseries created by LeSean Thomas for Netflix. Based on a legendary figure from Japanese history, the titular Yasuke is an African man who comes to Japan with some Jesuit missionaries and eventually becomes a samurai in the service of Lord Oda Nobunaga. When Nobunaga and his forces are destroyed by another warlord, Yasuke flees and finds a quiet retirement as a boatman outside a small village. When he's asked to help a sick little girl get to a doctor, he soon finds himself called on to fight once again.
With only six episodes, it's entirely likely that "Yasuke" will leave you wanting more. Fortunately, there are lots of other anime series out there for you to watch, and quite a few of them have similar settings and themes. We've put together a list of anime you should check out once you've watched Yasuke, and...
With only six episodes, it's entirely likely that "Yasuke" will leave you wanting more. Fortunately, there are lots of other anime series out there for you to watch, and quite a few of them have similar settings and themes. We've put together a list of anime you should check out once you've watched Yasuke, and...
- 4/13/2023
- by Elle Collins
- Slash Film
Multi-hyphenate Flying Lotus and his company Brainfeeder Films has linked with Paris-based Logical Pictures and XYZ Films for a multi-picture development deal covering a slate of films that the artist will produce and direct.
Logical Content Ventures, the co-production fund backed by Logical Pictures, will finance the development of the films, which will focus on genres in the horror, thriller and sci-fi universe. Logical also secured a first-look agreement to finance and produce. The slate will span multiple projects, with XYZ Films set to produce and handle sales.
The deal was negotiated by Frédéric Fiore and Grace Adams from Logical Pictures, and by Nate Bolotin, partner at XYZ Films, on behalf of Brainfeeder Films.
Flying Lotus, also known as Steven Ellison, is a genre-bending, Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, filmmaker and rapper. He founded Brainfeeder Records in 2008.
Since 2006, Ellison has released six studio albums and composed much of the music heard...
Logical Content Ventures, the co-production fund backed by Logical Pictures, will finance the development of the films, which will focus on genres in the horror, thriller and sci-fi universe. Logical also secured a first-look agreement to finance and produce. The slate will span multiple projects, with XYZ Films set to produce and handle sales.
The deal was negotiated by Frédéric Fiore and Grace Adams from Logical Pictures, and by Nate Bolotin, partner at XYZ Films, on behalf of Brainfeeder Films.
Flying Lotus, also known as Steven Ellison, is a genre-bending, Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, filmmaker and rapper. He founded Brainfeeder Records in 2008.
Since 2006, Ellison has released six studio albums and composed much of the music heard...
- 3/3/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Musician and filmmaker Flying Lotus has set the sci-fi horror film Ash as his second feature, on the heels of his body horror anthology Kuso, which made its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
The new film, for which the multi-hyphenate will also compose an original score, watches as a woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed, her investigation into what happened setting in motion a terrifying chain of events.
Jonni Remmler penned the original screenplay. XYZ Films and Gfc Films will produce, with Echo Lake on board as exec producer. XYZ is also financing and handling worldwide sales. Casting will get underway later this month, with production slated for this summer.
Ash follows XYZ’s collaboration with Gfc on Toa Fraser’s New Zealand Oscar entry The Dead Lands, which was presented to the U.S. market by James Cameron,...
The new film, for which the multi-hyphenate will also compose an original score, watches as a woman wakes up on a distant planet and finds the crew of her space station viciously killed, her investigation into what happened setting in motion a terrifying chain of events.
Jonni Remmler penned the original screenplay. XYZ Films and Gfc Films will produce, with Echo Lake on board as exec producer. XYZ is also financing and handling worldwide sales. Casting will get underway later this month, with production slated for this summer.
Ash follows XYZ’s collaboration with Gfc on Toa Fraser’s New Zealand Oscar entry The Dead Lands, which was presented to the U.S. market by James Cameron,...
- 1/26/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Audio elements and sound design, especially the score, are as fundamental to animation as the visuals. The proper use of music at the right time can make the action soar and it’s genuinely exciting that more experimental and passionate creators are embracing the sonic possibilities that television allows. Flying Lotus is an innovative musician with a flair for the extraordinary that cut his teeth on many of the surreal animated series that fill Adult Swim’s programming block.
In addition to his frequent collaborations with Adult Swim, Flying Lotus’ music can be heard in everything from The Boondocks, to Grand Theft Auto V, to episodes of Atlanta and Insecure. Flying Lotus approaches art like a wondrous game and the cleansing energy that comes from his music feels like it’s trying to do something important beyond simple entertainment. His most recent music in Netflix‘s anime series Yasuke comes...
In addition to his frequent collaborations with Adult Swim, Flying Lotus’ music can be heard in everything from The Boondocks, to Grand Theft Auto V, to episodes of Atlanta and Insecure. Flying Lotus approaches art like a wondrous game and the cleansing energy that comes from his music feels like it’s trying to do something important beyond simple entertainment. His most recent music in Netflix‘s anime series Yasuke comes...
- 5/6/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Yasuke is the latest anime series from maverick creator LeSean Thomas. With the voice talents of Oscar-nominated Lakeith Stanfield (Sorry To Bother You), Ming-Na Wen (The Mandalorian), Darren Criss (Glee), and Keone Young (Men in Black 3) to name a few, plus a soundtrack by Grammy-nominated artist Flying Lotus, Yasuke is an imaginative fantasy world of mechs and demons, set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. The titular character of Yasuke is based on a real historical figure, the first known Black samurai who lived in the mid-sixteenth century.
Previously in 2019, Thomas delivered another well-regarded Netflix anime titled Cannon Busters. That was a crazy mashup of Wild West towns, transformer mechs, aliens, and droids. It’s just the sort of genre bending fare that only comics and anime can provide. Cannon Busters has a nod to samurai folklore too. There is a drunken ronin named 9ine who is connected to the legend of the 47 Ronin.
Previously in 2019, Thomas delivered another well-regarded Netflix anime titled Cannon Busters. That was a crazy mashup of Wild West towns, transformer mechs, aliens, and droids. It’s just the sort of genre bending fare that only comics and anime can provide. Cannon Busters has a nod to samurai folklore too. There is a drunken ronin named 9ine who is connected to the legend of the 47 Ronin.
- 5/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Yasuke is a groundbreaking new anime that fuses fact and fiction. The six-episode original series streaming on Netflix now is the brainchild of comic artist and animation director LeSean Thomas. The titular role in Yasuke is voiced by Oscar-nominated Lakeith Stanfield who is also one of the producers. Yasuke comes from Japan’s animation house Mappa (Maruyama Animation Produce Project Association) who also produced noteworthy animes like Attack on Titan, Rage of Baphomet, and Punch Line. Grammy-nominated artist Flying Lotus (a.k.a. FlyLo) provides the soundtrack and is also another producer.
Yasuke is somewhat in the same vein as Afro Samurai or Samurai Jack in propelling an iconic Samurai figure into a rich fantasy world.
“It just sits right alongside Afro Samurai and Samurai Jack,” acknowledges Thomas, “They’re going to be compared regardless because those are the only three that are being pushed to the Western entertainment. So,...
Yasuke is somewhat in the same vein as Afro Samurai or Samurai Jack in propelling an iconic Samurai figure into a rich fantasy world.
“It just sits right alongside Afro Samurai and Samurai Jack,” acknowledges Thomas, “They’re going to be compared regardless because those are the only three that are being pushed to the Western entertainment. So,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
[Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “Yasuke”]
“Yasuke” is purportedly a show about history’s first Black samurai. When the Netflix adult animated series sticks to that idea, it’s pretty good. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for the six-episode series to lose sight of its compelling protagonist in favor of increasingly outlandish fantasy elements.
The series, which hails from animation veteran LeSean Thomas (whose credits range from “The Legend of Korra” and “Black Dynamite” to “The Boondocks”) is very loosely based on Yasuke, who served Oda Nobunaga, the “Great Unifier” of Japan, as a samurai in the 16th century. “Yasuke” begins near the end of the real samurai’s recorded history: Records state that Yasuke was captured shortly after the defeat of Nobunaga’s forces and his ultimate fate is unclear; in the Netflix show, Yasuke (voiced by Lakeith Stanfield) eventually escapes and spends the later part of his life as a peaceful boatman...
“Yasuke” is purportedly a show about history’s first Black samurai. When the Netflix adult animated series sticks to that idea, it’s pretty good. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for the six-episode series to lose sight of its compelling protagonist in favor of increasingly outlandish fantasy elements.
The series, which hails from animation veteran LeSean Thomas (whose credits range from “The Legend of Korra” and “Black Dynamite” to “The Boondocks”) is very loosely based on Yasuke, who served Oda Nobunaga, the “Great Unifier” of Japan, as a samurai in the 16th century. “Yasuke” begins near the end of the real samurai’s recorded history: Records state that Yasuke was captured shortly after the defeat of Nobunaga’s forces and his ultimate fate is unclear; in the Netflix show, Yasuke (voiced by Lakeith Stanfield) eventually escapes and spends the later part of his life as a peaceful boatman...
- 4/29/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
"We are close to achieving real power." Netflix has revealed the full official trailer for their anime series titled Yasuke, from artist / creator LeSean Thomas. After posting the first teaser, we have to follow-up with this full trailer because hell yes this looks very cool. The story is about a samurai warrior who must return to his life of violence in order to protect a mysterious girl. When a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport the child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords. The story of Yasuke, the first African samurai who actually served with the legendary Oda Nobunaga. Featuring the voice of Lakeith Stanfield as "Yasuke", and he is joined by Takehiro Hira, Maya Tanida, Ming-Na Wen, Paul Nakauchi, Darren Criss, and Julie Marcus. This looks like it's going to be a...
- 4/27/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
"Yasuke", the new six episode Japanese original anime series, directed by LeSean Thomas for Studio Mappa, stars Lakeith Stanfield, as the first African samurai who served the 'Oda Nobunaga', streaming April 29, 2021 on Netflix:
"...in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest 'ronin' never known, 'Yasuke', struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence.
"But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring 'daimyo'...
"...Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and warlords..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest 'ronin' never known, 'Yasuke', struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence.
"But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring 'daimyo'...
"...Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and warlords..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 4/27/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
“Yasuke,” the upcoming Netflix series from creator LeSean Thomas, has released its first trailer ahead of an April 29 release. The streaming giant provided the following synopsis along with key art Monday afternoon.
The tale is set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, and the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.
All of that is found within the first trailer as the audience meets Yasuke, voiced by Academy Award nominee Lakeith Stanfield. Yasuke stands up for others despite being an outsider due to his former status as a slave. The animation looks beautiful — a mix of anime and light tones generally...
The tale is set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, and the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.
All of that is found within the first trailer as the audience meets Yasuke, voiced by Academy Award nominee Lakeith Stanfield. Yasuke stands up for others despite being an outsider due to his former status as a slave. The animation looks beautiful — a mix of anime and light tones generally...
- 4/27/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Lakeith Stanfield brings the legend of Yasuke, the real-life Black samurai in feudal Japan, to screen in the trailer for Netflix and Mapaa’s latest anime series that premieres this week.
The Oscar-nominated Judas and the Black Messiah actor takes on the titular character, a servant-turned-fierce hero in the series created by LeSean Thomas. Set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the series follows the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, who struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.
The trailer teases Yasuke’s closest circle, his gory past, the series’ big bad and a fresh track from Grammy-nominated music producer Flying Lotus. The voice cast also features Ming-Na Wen,...
The Oscar-nominated Judas and the Black Messiah actor takes on the titular character, a servant-turned-fierce hero in the series created by LeSean Thomas. Set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the series follows the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, who struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.
The trailer teases Yasuke’s closest circle, his gory past, the series’ big bad and a fresh track from Grammy-nominated music producer Flying Lotus. The voice cast also features Ming-Na Wen,...
- 4/26/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Starz announced that “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” will premiere on July 18.
Set in ’90s South Jamaica, Queens and serving as a prequel to the original Power franchise, the series stars Patina Miller, Mekai Curtis, Omar Epps, London Brown, Malcolm Mays, Hailey Kilgore, Joey Bada$$, Tony Sandeman, Shanley Caswell, Lovie Simone and Quincy Brown.
Creator and showrunner Sascha Penn executive produces alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Courtney A. Kemp, Mark Canton, Chris Selak, Danielle De Jesus, Shana Stein and Bart Wenrich.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
ABC announced that the special tribute episode of “General Hospital,” which will celebrate actor John Reilly, will air on May 21. The episode features “General Hospital” fan-favorites Kristina Wagner, John J. York, Finola Hughes, Genie Francis and Jon Lindstrom reprising their respective roles as Felicia Scorpio, Malcolm “Mac” Scorpio, Anna Devane, Laura Collins and Kevin Collins. While mourning the death of World Security...
Set in ’90s South Jamaica, Queens and serving as a prequel to the original Power franchise, the series stars Patina Miller, Mekai Curtis, Omar Epps, London Brown, Malcolm Mays, Hailey Kilgore, Joey Bada$$, Tony Sandeman, Shanley Caswell, Lovie Simone and Quincy Brown.
Creator and showrunner Sascha Penn executive produces alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Courtney A. Kemp, Mark Canton, Chris Selak, Danielle De Jesus, Shana Stein and Bart Wenrich.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
ABC announced that the special tribute episode of “General Hospital,” which will celebrate actor John Reilly, will air on May 21. The episode features “General Hospital” fan-favorites Kristina Wagner, John J. York, Finola Hughes, Genie Francis and Jon Lindstrom reprising their respective roles as Felicia Scorpio, Malcolm “Mac” Scorpio, Anna Devane, Laura Collins and Kevin Collins. While mourning the death of World Security...
- 4/26/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Flying Lotus has released a pair of new songs, “Black Gold” and “Between Memories,” which he wrote for the upcoming Netflix anime series, Yasuke, out April 29th.
“Black Gold,” which features Thundercat, serves as the show’s opening theme, and it captures a mystical mood with its thumping drums and winding synths. “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness,” Thundercat sings in his falsetto, “Because I’m strong, you see/Stronger than you’ll ever be/Loyal to the end/Someone to call my friend/Whenever you need me, I’ll be right there.
“Black Gold,” which features Thundercat, serves as the show’s opening theme, and it captures a mystical mood with its thumping drums and winding synths. “Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness,” Thundercat sings in his falsetto, “Because I’m strong, you see/Stronger than you’ll ever be/Loyal to the end/Someone to call my friend/Whenever you need me, I’ll be right there.
- 4/20/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
This Yasuke review contains no spoilers.
What’s supposedly last known about Yasuke, the documented 16th-century Black samurai of Japan, is that he was brought back into the hands of his former Jesuit owners after his samurai employment was cut short. From there, the African-originated warrior, who remarkably rose to impressive status under the warlord Oda Nobunaga despite his being a foreigner, appears to vanish from history.
Both historical and legendary, Yasuke had nary a chance to grace onscreen media, although he allegedly inspired the protagonist of the densely shaded neo-noir Afro Samurai manga-based anime. He was the star of an infamous Japanese children’s book that infamously ended in seppuku and also appeared in the 2017 video game Nioh. Had tragedy not claimed Chadwick Boseman, the actor would have starred as the samurai in a now-scrapped movie project.
Now creator and director LeSean Thomas and writer Nick Jonas Jr. are...
What’s supposedly last known about Yasuke, the documented 16th-century Black samurai of Japan, is that he was brought back into the hands of his former Jesuit owners after his samurai employment was cut short. From there, the African-originated warrior, who remarkably rose to impressive status under the warlord Oda Nobunaga despite his being a foreigner, appears to vanish from history.
Both historical and legendary, Yasuke had nary a chance to grace onscreen media, although he allegedly inspired the protagonist of the densely shaded neo-noir Afro Samurai manga-based anime. He was the star of an infamous Japanese children’s book that infamously ended in seppuku and also appeared in the 2017 video game Nioh. Had tragedy not claimed Chadwick Boseman, the actor would have starred as the samurai in a now-scrapped movie project.
Now creator and director LeSean Thomas and writer Nick Jonas Jr. are...
- 4/19/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
"A true warrior, above all else, prays for peace... But today we fight for the future of Japan!" Netflix has unveiled a teaser trailer for a new anime series titled Yasuke, from artist / creator Lesean Thomas. Yasuke is a six-episode series set in alternate fantastical Japan during the feudal era. The story is about a samurai warrior who must return to his life of violence in order to protect a mysterious girl. When a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport the child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords. The story of Yasuke, the first African samurai who actually served with the legendary Oda Nobunaga, will be released to the world. Featuring the voice of Lakeith Stanfield as "Yasuke". This is a first look teaser but it's awesome introduction to this new creation, and...
- 4/4/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
"Yasuke" is a new six episode Japanese original anime series, directed by LeSean Thomas for Studio Mappa, starring Lakeith Stanfield, as the first African samurai who served the 'Oda Nobunaga', streaming April 29, 2021 on Netflix:
"...in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest 'ronin' never known, 'Yasuke', struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence.
"But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring 'daimyo'...
"...Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and warlords..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, the greatest 'ronin' never known, 'Yasuke', struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence.
"But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring 'daimyo'...
"...Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and warlords..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 4/3/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Netflix has released a teaser trailer for their upcoming anime series, Yasuke. The series premieres on April 29th.
Created, directed and executive produced by LeSean Thomas along with Japanese animation studio Mappa, the series features Judas and the Black Messiah Oscar nominee Lakeith Stanfield, who voices Yasuke and also serves as an executive producer. The series also features music by Flying Lotus.
Set in a war-torn feudal Japan that includes fantastical elements, the series tells the story of Yasuke, a boatsman who is trying to live peacefully after leaving a life marked by violence.
Created, directed and executive produced by LeSean Thomas along with Japanese animation studio Mappa, the series features Judas and the Black Messiah Oscar nominee Lakeith Stanfield, who voices Yasuke and also serves as an executive producer. The series also features music by Flying Lotus.
Set in a war-torn feudal Japan that includes fantastical elements, the series tells the story of Yasuke, a boatsman who is trying to live peacefully after leaving a life marked by violence.
- 4/2/2021
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Lakeith Stanfield is set to voice history’s first African samurai in “Yasuke,” Netflix’s upcoming anime series. The streaming service released a trailer for the show on Thursday evening, which you can watch below.
Per Netflix, the six-episode series “is set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, [where] the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.”
“Yasuke,” which will premiere April 29 on Netflix, is created by LeSean Thomas (“Cannon Busters”), who also serves as director and executive producer. The series will feature music from Grammy-nominated musician Flying Lotus, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Stanfield. The series’ character designs...
Per Netflix, the six-episode series “is set in a war-torn feudal Japan filled with mechs and magic, [where] the greatest ronin never known, Yasuke, struggles to maintain a peaceful existence after a past life of violence. But when a local village becomes the center of social upheaval between warring daimyo, Yasuke must take up his sword and transport a mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords.”
“Yasuke,” which will premiere April 29 on Netflix, is created by LeSean Thomas (“Cannon Busters”), who also serves as director and executive producer. The series will feature music from Grammy-nominated musician Flying Lotus, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Stanfield. The series’ character designs...
- 4/2/2021
- by Tyler Hersko
- Indiewire
New titles also include Yasuke, directed and executive produced by US anime artist LeSean Thomas.
Netflix unveiled a slate of 40 original anime titles set to premiere in 2021, more than double its output last year, at the ongoing AnimeJapan 2021 virtual event.
The slate is headed by Masao Okubo’s Record Of Ragnarok, an adaptation of the popular manga about the one-on-one battles between humans and gods to determine the fate of humanity. Set to premiere in June 2021, the series is produced by Japanese animation studio Graphinica.
Netflix is also launching two shows combining the work of international and Japanese talents – Yasuke,...
Netflix unveiled a slate of 40 original anime titles set to premiere in 2021, more than double its output last year, at the ongoing AnimeJapan 2021 virtual event.
The slate is headed by Masao Okubo’s Record Of Ragnarok, an adaptation of the popular manga about the one-on-one battles between humans and gods to determine the fate of humanity. Set to premiere in June 2021, the series is produced by Japanese animation studio Graphinica.
Netflix is also launching two shows combining the work of international and Japanese talents – Yasuke,...
- 3/27/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
I'm a Black voice actress who left North Carolina with one big dream: I wanted to bring all my crazy characters to Hollywood. My plan was to voice an array of cartoons and maybe one day have a cartoon of my own. And though I don't have a cartoon of my own, do I have the right to complain? George Lucas changed my life when he cast me as a Jedi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. More recently, I joined CannonBusters. It's a Netflix series created by LeSean Thomas, a Black animator who developed a world filled with ...
It’s official. After a long gestation, LeSean Thomas’s Cannon Busters is coming to Netflix. The highly anticipated adaptation of the comic book created by Thomas will be released on August 15 on the streaming giant.
The announcement was made Sunday during Los Angeles’ Anime Expo via Netflix’s sci-fi and fantasy twitter account Nx. In a video Thomas announced the date. The caption of the post reads: “It’s based on a comic book that I drew, so very excited to have the opportunity to adapt it into an animated feature. Cannon Busters drops August 15 on Netflix.”
First published in 2005, Cannon Busters follows the adventures of S.A.M, a high-end friendship droid who’s joined by a quirky, discarded maintenance robot and a brash, deadly fugitive. Together, the unlikely trio embarks on an unforgettable journey in a fantastic and dangerous world in search of S.A.M’s best friend,...
The announcement was made Sunday during Los Angeles’ Anime Expo via Netflix’s sci-fi and fantasy twitter account Nx. In a video Thomas announced the date. The caption of the post reads: “It’s based on a comic book that I drew, so very excited to have the opportunity to adapt it into an animated feature. Cannon Busters drops August 15 on Netflix.”
First published in 2005, Cannon Busters follows the adventures of S.A.M, a high-end friendship droid who’s joined by a quirky, discarded maintenance robot and a brash, deadly fugitive. Together, the unlikely trio embarks on an unforgettable journey in a fantastic and dangerous world in search of S.A.M’s best friend,...
- 7/8/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Annecy, France — On Tuesday night at the Annecy Intl. Animation Festival, Netflix held one of its most highly-anticipated panels for one of its most dedicated fan-bases: Netflix Original Anime: A Celebration of Anime and a Look Ahead.
Appropriately enough, this year’s festival is honoring Japan and its animation tradition, past and present, as the official Guest Country. Netflix, eager to capitalize on that tradition, and embed itself in the Japanese market as a producer, has commissioned a strong slate of originals and reboots meant to honor the country’s animation history while pushing the envelope of narrative and technology.
Announced last December, Netflix has commissioned a new “Ghost in the Shell” reboot titled: “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045” from “Ultraman” directors Shinji Aramaki and Kenji Kamiyama. The two confirmed on Tuesday night that relative animation newcomer Ilya Kuvshinow will head character design on the show. Accompanying the announcement,...
Appropriately enough, this year’s festival is honoring Japan and its animation tradition, past and present, as the official Guest Country. Netflix, eager to capitalize on that tradition, and embed itself in the Japanese market as a producer, has commissioned a strong slate of originals and reboots meant to honor the country’s animation history while pushing the envelope of narrative and technology.
Announced last December, Netflix has commissioned a new “Ghost in the Shell” reboot titled: “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045” from “Ultraman” directors Shinji Aramaki and Kenji Kamiyama. The two confirmed on Tuesday night that relative animation newcomer Ilya Kuvshinow will head character design on the show. Accompanying the announcement,...
- 6/11/2019
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In a year that gave us films like “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” this weekend’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” delivers one more home run for underrepresented groups in media in 2018.
An animated film that takes advantage of Sony’s piece of the Marvel pie, “Spider-Verse” not only puts a mixed-race, middle-class teenager in the driver’s seat of a beloved comic franchise — it reaches deep into its own lore to call home diverse Spider-folk of different genders and races from other dimensions.
“I think it’s so exciting that ‘Black Panther’ and our movie are coming out in the same year. I’ve heard a couple people say, ‘Do you wish it wasn’t?’ No! I think it’s amazing! It’s such a wonderful sign of the times,” Kristine Belson, Sony Pictures Animation president, told Variety.
“We can enjoy all kinds of heroes,” she said.
The hero of “Spider-Verse” is Miles Morales,...
An animated film that takes advantage of Sony’s piece of the Marvel pie, “Spider-Verse” not only puts a mixed-race, middle-class teenager in the driver’s seat of a beloved comic franchise — it reaches deep into its own lore to call home diverse Spider-folk of different genders and races from other dimensions.
“I think it’s so exciting that ‘Black Panther’ and our movie are coming out in the same year. I’ve heard a couple people say, ‘Do you wish it wasn’t?’ No! I think it’s amazing! It’s such a wonderful sign of the times,” Kristine Belson, Sony Pictures Animation president, told Variety.
“We can enjoy all kinds of heroes,” she said.
The hero of “Spider-Verse” is Miles Morales,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix continues to build their animation slate as they’ve announced five new anime titles that will produce. Two of those projects include anime series for Pacific Rim and Altered Carbon!
I love that Netflix is expanding on their animation projects. They’ve made some great animated films and series in the past and it’s exciting to see that we are going to get more of that. Alos, the projects that they are developing sound awesome!
Thanks to Deadline, we have details to share on all five the new anime projects:
Pacific Rim, “which expands the world of the two live-action movies of the same name, returns to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers. The original anime series follows two siblings — an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister — who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents.
I love that Netflix is expanding on their animation projects. They’ve made some great animated films and series in the past and it’s exciting to see that we are going to get more of that. Alos, the projects that they are developing sound awesome!
Thanks to Deadline, we have details to share on all five the new anime projects:
Pacific Rim, “which expands the world of the two live-action movies of the same name, returns to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers. The original anime series follows two siblings — an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister — who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents.
- 11/8/2018
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
On Wednesday at its first ever Asian content showcase, Netflix announced five new anime projects, including a series based on “Pacific Rim,” a feature film set in the “Altered Carbon” universe, and a new series featuring the voice of Lakeith Stanfield.
At “See What’s Next: Asia” held in Singapore, Netflix also announced two Thai language originals, a Chinese language original, and a second season renewal for its upcoming Korean fantasy drama “Kingdom,” the first season of which premieres on the streaming service Jan. 25.
Heading up the anime slate is “Pacific Rim” from showrunners Craig Kyle (“Thor: Ragnarok”) and Greg Johnson (“X-Men: Evolution.”) The series will expand on the story of giant robots vs. kaiju from the first two live action movies and will follow two siblings, an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister, forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents.
At “See What’s Next: Asia” held in Singapore, Netflix also announced two Thai language originals, a Chinese language original, and a second season renewal for its upcoming Korean fantasy drama “Kingdom,” the first season of which premieres on the streaming service Jan. 25.
Heading up the anime slate is “Pacific Rim” from showrunners Craig Kyle (“Thor: Ragnarok”) and Greg Johnson (“X-Men: Evolution.”) The series will expand on the story of giant robots vs. kaiju from the first two live action movies and will follow two siblings, an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister, forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents.
- 11/8/2018
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Netflix is expanding their animation slate with five new anime titles which include gigantic battling robots battling huge monsters, postapocalyptic worlds, and a supernatural criminal underworld. The new slate continues Netflix’s global reach when it comes to original content.
Pacific Rim, which expands the world of the two live-action movies of the same name, returns to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers. The original anime series follows two siblings — an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister — who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents. Co-showrunners are Craig Kyle (Thor:Ragnarok) and Greg Johnson (X-Men: Evolution). The series comes from Legendary Entertainment (Kong: Skull Island; Pokemon: Detective Pikachu)
Set in the same universe as the Netflix-live-action sci-fi series — which is currently in production — Altered Carbon will explore new elements of the story mythology. The series comes from the animation studio,...
Pacific Rim, which expands the world of the two live-action movies of the same name, returns to the epic battle of Kaiju and Jaegers. The original anime series follows two siblings — an idealistic teenage boy and his naïve younger sister — who are forced to pilot an abandoned Jaeger across a hostile landscape in a desperate attempt to find their missing parents. Co-showrunners are Craig Kyle (Thor:Ragnarok) and Greg Johnson (X-Men: Evolution). The series comes from Legendary Entertainment (Kong: Skull Island; Pokemon: Detective Pikachu)
Set in the same universe as the Netflix-live-action sci-fi series — which is currently in production — Altered Carbon will explore new elements of the story mythology. The series comes from the animation studio,...
- 11/8/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is diving deep into the anime game with a baker's dozen of new titles. Of those titles is a Godzilla animated film, A Children of the Whales Series, and a Holy Grail War in Fate/Apocrypha!
Earlier today, we reported that Netflix was working on a remake of Saint Seija, Knights of the Zodiac Series, but that just happens to be one part of a bigger venture Netflix is undergoing. On Netflix's insider page, they've announced 13 animes coming to the streaming service, at various times. The extensive list is as follows:
Cannon Busters Devilman Crybaby B: The Beginning (formerly Perfect Bones) Sword Gai: The Animation A.I.C.O. Incarnation Lost Song Rilakkuma Series Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya Baki Fate/Apocrypha Kakegurui Children of the Whales Godzilla
Each one of these brings a unique story and style to the Anime category on Netflix's long catalog of movies and series.
Earlier today, we reported that Netflix was working on a remake of Saint Seija, Knights of the Zodiac Series, but that just happens to be one part of a bigger venture Netflix is undergoing. On Netflix's insider page, they've announced 13 animes coming to the streaming service, at various times. The extensive list is as follows:
Cannon Busters Devilman Crybaby B: The Beginning (formerly Perfect Bones) Sword Gai: The Animation A.I.C.O. Incarnation Lost Song Rilakkuma Series Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya Baki Fate/Apocrypha Kakegurui Children of the Whales Godzilla
Each one of these brings a unique story and style to the Anime category on Netflix's long catalog of movies and series.
- 8/2/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Matt Malliaros)
- Cinelinx
On August 2, Netflix announced a massive slate of original anime programs, all of which it plans to premiere for its subscribers over the coming years. The lineup includes a majority of shows led by notable Japanese animators, but the project that caught our eye here at Tubefilter comes from an American creator. Cannon Busters, from creator LeSean Thomas, will tell the story of an AI who seeks the aid of a wanted man, and its writing team includes Natasha Allegri, who is known as the woman behind the hit web series Bee & PuppyCat.
The protagonist of Cannon Busters is S.A.M., who a Netflix press release describes as a "high-end, royal-class friendship droid." With the help of a maintenance robot and a fugitive, S.A.M. will search for a long-lost friend. In 2014, Thomas raised more than $150,000 on Kickstarter to fund a pilot for his series, which he released for backers in 2016. Now,...
The protagonist of Cannon Busters is S.A.M., who a Netflix press release describes as a "high-end, royal-class friendship droid." With the help of a maintenance robot and a fugitive, S.A.M. will search for a long-lost friend. In 2014, Thomas raised more than $150,000 on Kickstarter to fund a pilot for his series, which he released for backers in 2016. Now,...
- 8/2/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Netflix is going all in on anime as they add the eagerly anticipated Godzilla movie and 12 other projects to their slate of upcoming programming. Deadline says in addition to the series the network is also overseeing the development of Cannon Busters, Devilman Crybaby, B: The Beginning, and Knights Of The Zodiac: Saint Seiya just to name a few.
The Godzilla and Saint Seiya grabs really show that Netflix is working to grab their Western audience who loves anime, but with competitors like Crunchyroll and Funimation (who was recently bought by Sony) in the mix, who knows if they'll be able to compete on that front. Time will tell, but the addition of so many projects seems promising for the future of anime on the platform.
Below you'll find details photos and some trailer for the anime projects that Netflix has picked up!
Cannon Busters
Created, directed and executive produced...
The Godzilla and Saint Seiya grabs really show that Netflix is working to grab their Western audience who loves anime, but with competitors like Crunchyroll and Funimation (who was recently bought by Sony) in the mix, who knows if they'll be able to compete on that front. Time will tell, but the addition of so many projects seems promising for the future of anime on the platform.
Below you'll find details photos and some trailer for the anime projects that Netflix has picked up!
Cannon Busters
Created, directed and executive produced...
- 8/2/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Netflix is expanding its anime slate with 12 new series and a Godzilla animated film set for release later this year and in 2018. The projects were announced Tuesday in Tokyo. The series include Cannon Busters, created, directed and executive produced by LeSean Thomas (Children of Ether); Devilman Crybaby, from an original story by Go Nagai and directed by Masaaki Yuasa; B: The Beginning, directed by Kazuto Nakazawa and Yoshinobu Yamakawa; Sword Guy: The Animation…...
- 8/2/2017
- Deadline TV
We’ve previously featured the work of TV animation producer and director LeSean Thomas, best known for his work on “The Boondocks,” “Black Dynamite: The Animated Series,” “The Legend of Korra,” and, most recently, “Cannon Busters: The Animated Series,” whose crowdfunding… Continue Reading →...
- 10/18/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
It is already a year ago that a Kickstarter campaign was started for funding a pilot for a Cannon Busters television series. That one brought in well over its limit of $120,000, and an ongoing funding campaign added to that as well. So, where are things now? Well, pretty damn far. As a recap, this is what we wrote last year: Writer-director LeSean Thomas is primarily known for his work on famed animated series The Boondocks (which he co-directed), as well as working on Legend of Korra and Black Dynamite: The Animated Series. Now, he wants to make an animated series based on his own graphic novel Cannon Busters, described as "What happened if The Wizard of Oz met The Hidden Fortress with influences...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/12/2015
- Screen Anarchy
An android with a secret past. A prince on the run. Magic & Mayhem. Those are the words used to summarize a new fantasy series titled "Cannon Busters," created by LeSean Thomas & Japanese studio, Satelight. If Thomas' name sound familiar, the writer/director/creator has a resume that includes work on notable series like the Peabody Award-winning "The Boondocks" on Adult Swim, serving as co-director and supervising character designer; he also worked on Nickelodeon's "The Legend of Korra" as a storyboard/production artist; and most recently, "Black Dynamite: The Animated Series" as creative producer and supervising director, also...
- 11/2/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Writer-director LeSean Thomas is primarily known for his work on famed animated series The Boondocks (which he co-directed), as well as working on Legend of Korra and Black Dynamite: The Animated Series. Now, he wants to make an animated series based on his own graphic novel Cannon Busters, described as "What happened if The Wizard of Oz met The Hidden Fortress with influences derived from Escaflowne, hip-hop, and classic RPGs". Taking the official story synopsis: Follow the adventures and exploits of S.A.M, a high-end, royal-class friendship droid who's joined by a quirky, discarded maintenance robot and a brash, deadly fugitive. Together, the unlikely trio embarks on an unforgettable journey in a fantastic and dangerous world in search of S.A.M's best friend, the heir to a...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 11/25/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Television animation producer and director LeSean Thomas, best known for his work on "The Boondocks," "Black Dynamite: The Animated Series," and "The Legend of Korra," has taken to Kickstarter to fund his newest project, a television pilot for "Cannon Busters: The Animated Series." Written and directed by Thomas, the series is based on his first and only comic book and is described as "an animated adventure about the value of friendship and just how far one is willing to go to maintain it. If 'The Wizard of Oz' met the 'Hidden Fortress' with influences derived from 'Escaflowne,' hip-hop, and classic RPGs -- you get...
- 11/7/2014
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
Here's one of the more interesting web series out at the moment. LeSean Thomas is an animation director, producer and illustrator known for his work on animated series like The Boondocks, Black Dynamite, and Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Legend of Korra. The story goes that early on in his career, Thomas learned that roughly 85% of animated television shows designed in America are actually animated in South Korea. Seeking to be fully involved in animation production, he moved to Seoul to live and work and documented the process in Seoul Sessions. Each episode chronicles his cultural experiences as a South Bronx native in South Korea and also gives an inside look at the...
- 6/23/2013
- by Jai Tiggett
- ShadowAndAct
Yes even Adult Swim joined the upfronts fray last week, and has now announced its forthcoming programming for 2012-2013. Back for more of what they do best are favorites Robot Chicken, Ntsf:sd:suv, and Children’s Hospital, along with newcomer Newsreaders, an animated Harold and Kumar, and the return of Toonami.
Adult Swim Announces Largest Programming Schedule Ever for 2012-13 Basic Cable’s #1 Network In Total Day With Adults 18-34 and 18-49 Offers Up 9 New Series/Specials, 8 Pilots and 10 Returning Series. Childrens Hospital Spin-off Newsreaders and Animated Harold & Kumar Make The List, Fan Favorite Toonami Returns to Saturday Nights
Adult Swim, basic cable’s #1 network with young adults for seven consecutive years, sets out to “control” the night by announcing a slate of new and returning programming at its annual Upfront presentation in New York City. Hours before their annual event featuring a scheduled performance by Grammy Award-winning rap artist T.I.,...
Adult Swim Announces Largest Programming Schedule Ever for 2012-13 Basic Cable’s #1 Network In Total Day With Adults 18-34 and 18-49 Offers Up 9 New Series/Specials, 8 Pilots and 10 Returning Series. Childrens Hospital Spin-off Newsreaders and Animated Harold & Kumar Make The List, Fan Favorite Toonami Returns to Saturday Nights
Adult Swim, basic cable’s #1 network with young adults for seven consecutive years, sets out to “control” the night by announcing a slate of new and returning programming at its annual Upfront presentation in New York City. Hours before their annual event featuring a scheduled performance by Grammy Award-winning rap artist T.I.,...
- 5/21/2012
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
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