Assassin's Creed Shadows Welcomes One Piece Actor Mackenyu Maeda

"One Piece" sensation Mackenyu Maeda, renowned for his portrayal of Roronoa Zoro, joins the voice cast of Ubisoft's upcoming "Assassin's Creed Shadows."

In an interview with Variety, Maeda discusses his exciting involvement in the popular video game franchise and provides insights into his character's role.

Gennojo: A Complex and Intriguing Figure

Maeda will lend his voice to Gennojo, a pivotal character who assists players in tracking and eliminating crucial targets. As a member of the Shinobi League, players can recruit Gennojo into their "brotherhood" for support.

According to Ubisoft, Gennojo is a captivating and conflicted figure driven by guilt to dismantle a corrupt system. His charming and reckless nature is complemented by a sharp wit and a zest for trickery. Despite his rough exterior, Gennojo possesses a deep sense of justice, particularly when it comes to aiding the underprivileged.

From Anime to Video Games

Maeda's journey into video game voice acting began with his recruitment for "Assassin's Creed Shadows." As an avid "Assassin's Creed" enthusiast since middle school, Maeda eagerly accepted the offer to join the project, especially given its setting in Feudal Japan.

"When I heard it was 'Assassin's Creed' and the game would be set in Japan, I thought to myself, 'I need to be a part of this project,'" Maeda told Variety.

Behind the Scenes of Gennojo's Creation

Maeda's involvement in Gennojo's character development extended beyond voice acting. Players will recognize Maeda's facial features in Gennojo's digital representation, thanks to a comprehensive 3D scan.

"One Piece" Season 2: What's in Store?

In the interview, Maeda also hinted at the upcoming Season 2 of Netflix's "One Piece" live-action series. While remaining tight-lipped about specific plot details, he mentioned the introduction of several new characters and the highly anticipated arrival of Chopper.

"I met Chopper! He was the cutest!" exclaimed Maeda. "Just being able to act beside him is crazy. It was something special to bring home."

Additional Information

"Assassin's Creed Shadows" is set to be released by Ubisoft on March 20, following multiple production delays. The game will be available on various platforms, including PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC.