Japan’s martial-arts hero brings his samurai vibe to Westworld
LOS ANGELES — The robot cowboys and saloon girls of Westworld met their match when the HBO show, now in its second season, revealed the parallel universe of Shogun World. But ninjas and geishas programmed with narrative loops similar to their gun-slinging counterparts wasn’t the only highlight of the Japanese theme park.
One of the leaders in the “host” rebellion against the park’s pleasure-seeking guests is Musashi, a fierce master samurai who can fell an entire army, and he gets plenty of opportunities to swing his sword. Musashi is played by master swordsman Hiroyuki (Hiro) Sanada, and the role continues the 57-year-old actor’s run as a crossover star and martial arts hero over a career that has stretched from childhood roles of the 1960s to his American breakthrough in The Last Samurai to being featured in a forthcoming chapter of Marvel’s Avengers franchise.
The L.A.-based Sanada also starred in the last season of Lost. Q: You’ve been acting since you were in grade school and have starred in more than 100 productions across film, TV and the stage. In all that time, have you ever played the role of a robot?
A: I have played an immortal being before, but not a robot. Now, I’m a robot Samurai.
Q: Were you a Westworld fan before landing the role of Musashi?
A: Oh, yes. I watched all of Season 1, and in real time when it aired. So when I saw they were working with the samurai warriors at the end of last season, I saw possibility. A samurai and a Shogun World?! I was so curious. So I just kind of crossed my fingers. When I received the offer for this role, I was so excited. They have great ideas, crew, cast, talent, and they use all the [latest] technology. Everything is so high-grade.
Q: How would you describe your character?
A: His name, Musashi, is also the name of a real, legendary Japanese sword master, and he has a great skill for fighting. He always tries to fix the story by his sword. He’s a host [robot] who fights to save himself and others. And regular Westworld characters are crossing over into Shogun World so we have an interesting relationship that connects us.
Q: It’s probably safe to assume you’ve filmed more martial arts fight scenes than anyone who was on the Westworld set.
A: I don’t know. (Laughs.) But I’ve done so many samurai movies and the fighting scenes before, so they respected me as a sword master on set. I suggested some things and had some ideas for the fighting scenes and worked with the choreographer and co-ordinator to make it the authentic samurai way. We’ve worked to create the best balance between authenticity and entertainment.
Q: What was your breakthrough in terms of crossing over to an international audience?
A: When I got the chance to work with the Royal Shakespeare Company [in 1999]. It was my first experience speaking English in front of an audience. I was playing the fool in King Lear with Nigel Hawthorne. It was like mixing cultures and making something new no one had ever seen. I wanted that kind of international project to be my life’s work.
Q: I know you are sworn to secrecy about your role in the upcoming Avengers movie. But is there anything else coming up that you can talk about? A: My new movie The Catcher
Was a Spy is coming out June 22. It was directed by Ben Lewin, and I worked with Paul Rudd. It’s the story of Moe Berg, a major-league baseball player who becomes a spy [during the Second World War]. I play a [Japanese delegate] and professor of history. I’m excited.