It seems like fans of Usagi Yojimbo have been waiting forever to see their favorite character finally get a well deserved spotlight. 35 years after the comic book series came into existence, that might finally be happening. Netflix and Gaumont have announced a new CGI animated action comedy based on the character created by Stan Sakai titled, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles.
Sakai will serve as one of the show’s executive producers, along with Gaumont (Executive Producers Nicolas Atlan, Terry Kalagian, Sidonie Dumas and Christophe Riandee), Dark Horse Entertainment (Executive Producers Mike Richardson, Keith Goldberg and Chris Tongue), and Atomic Monster (Executive Producers James Wan, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett). Candie and Doug Langdale will serve as showrunners. The animation studio handling the CGI will be Mumbai-based 88 Pictures, which also worked on Fast & Furious: Spy Racers for Netflix.
The story, “takes place in the far future, set in a world that mixes modern high-tech images with classic Japanese references. It follows the teenage Rabbit Samurai Yuichi, descendent of the great warrior Miyamoto Usagi, on his epic quest to become a true samurai. But he isn’t alone! He leads a ragtag team of misfit heroes – including a roguish bounty hunter, a cunning ninja, an acrobatic pickpocket and a faithful pet lizard – as he battles depth-charging moles, metal-tipped winged bats, and monsters from another dimension, all in the pursuit to become the best samurai Usagi!”
Sakai posted his reaction on social media, expressing how most Usagi fans are probably feeling right now.
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No release date has been given at this time. Keep checking back for updates.
Photo Credit: Emi Fujii