The Voice Cast of Blue Eye Samurai: Who Brings Each Character to Life

Article Overview

Blue Eye Samurai is a new animated series on Netflix with a talented voice cast, providing the show with some of their best work yet.

The voice cast of Blue Eye Samurai consists mainly of Asian actors, lending an element of authenticity and precision to the animated period drama. Every actor in the show infuses their own experiences and expertise into their characters, resulting in a captivating and immersive series that is highly recommended.

Blue Eye Samurai, a new animated series on Netflix, comes to life with its talented voice cast. Netflix has a reputation for producing high-quality animated shows like Castlevania and F Is for Family, and Blue Eye Samurai lives up to that expectation. Despite the actors primarily being known for their live-action roles, they deliver some of their best work yet in this animated period piece.

Taking place during Japan's Edo period, Blue Eye Samurai follows Mizu, a mixed-race samurai on a quest for revenge against the man who impregnated her mother years ago. Although the series is not based on a real person, the creators ensure accurate representation by casting primarily Asian voice actors. As is typical for Netflix, the series offers familiar and respected voices, among other reasons, making it a must-watch.

Maya Erskine As Mizu

Maya Erskine delivers an exceptional performance as Mizu, the main character of Blue Eye Samurai, throughout its eight episodes. Mizu is both strong-willed and intelligent, effortlessly disguising herself as a man to navigate enemy lines. Erskine's biracial heritage adds depth to Mizu's character, as she draws from her own experiences as a mixed-race samurai.

Playing Mizu is a departure for Erskine, known for her live-action roles in comedies such as Man Seeking Woman and Betas. While her voice-over work has primarily been in comedy, including credits in BoJack Horseman, Big Mouth, and Bob's Burgers, it has undoubtedly helped her refine her skills behind the microphone.

Masi Oka As Ringo

In the voice acting role, Masi Oka brings life to the character of Ringo, a cheerful and passionate soba maker who chooses to learn from Mizu instead of staying with his father. Despite being born without hands, Ringo aspires to become a legendary samurai, and his always friendly and outgoing nature endears him to the audience.

Masi Oka is widely recognized for his portrayal of Hiro Nakamura in the popular TV series Heroes, as well as his role as Dr. Max Bergman in the show Hawaii Five-O. Oka's performance as Nakamura received high praise and elevated the character to become one of the most beloved in the history of Heroes.

Darren Barnet As Taigen

Taigen, an accomplished swordsman with a conceited nature, has earned a legendary status for his invincibility over the years. However, his unbeatable reputation shatters when Mizu triumphs over him in a one-on-one duel, tarnishing the reputation of his dojo and complicating his forthcoming marriage to Princess Akemi. Nevertheless, a peculiar bond ensues between Taigen and Mizu as they acknowledge each other's exceptional skills and admirable traits.

The teen drama Never Have I Ever is where most people recognize Barnet from. Despite the end of Never Have I Ever, Paxton Hall-Yoshida remains his most famous role. Alongside Blue Eye Samurai, Barnet also lends his voice to Mike in Netflix's anime-inspired series Skull Island.

Brenda Song As Princess Akemi

Princess Akemi, voiced by Brenda Song, is a young and sheltered member of royalty who longs for freedom and independence. Despite the constraints imposed upon her by her father, Lord Daichi of the Tokonobu clan, as well as her fiancé Taigen, Princess Akemi is determined to forge her own path. Mizu's journey serves as an inspiration for her. Apart from her notable role in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Song has also showcased her talent in more intense projects such as The Social Network and the highly popular political thriller, Scandal.

George Takei As Seki

George Takei lends his voice to Seki, the devoted attendant of the Tokonobu clan. Seki has played a significant role in Princess Akemi's upbringing since her childhood. Despite his fragile appearance, Seki always prioritizes the clan's best interests and stands up for justice. Takei, renowned for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, has also made notable appearances in various supporting roles on TV and film, including The Simpsons, Hey Arnold!, and Hawaii Five-O.

Randall Park As Heiji Shindo

Heiji Shindo, portrayed by Randall Park, is a cunning and charismatic character involved in illicit trading activities with foreigners. Alongside Abijah Fowler, the primary antagonist of the show, Heiji conspires to seize control of the Shogunate. Park gained initial recognition through his appearance in MTV's Wild 'n Out, and further showcased his talent in comedies such as Fresh Off the Boat and Always Be My Maybe. Additionally, Park is notably recognized within the Marvel Cinematic Universe for his endearing role as Jimmy Woo.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa As The Swordmaker

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa lends his voice to the character The Swordmaker, an illustrious blind swordsman who masters the art of using fire to forge an assortment of blades. Previously identified as Master Eiji, Swordfather mentors Mizu and aids her in her quest against Fowler. Alongside his series of supporting roles, Tagawa gained recognition for his notable portrayals as Shang Tsung in various Mortal Kombat projects, and as Hiroki Watanabe in Netflix's Lost in Space.

Kenneth Branagh as Abijah Fowler

Abijah Fowler, the main antagonist in Blue Eye Samurai, is voiced by Kenneth Branagh. Fowler, an Irish trader, aims to challenge Japan's closed-door trading policies and may have a connection to Mizu's diverse background. Branagh has an impressive filmography, having starred in renowned films such as Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing. Recently, he captivated audiences with his portrayal of Hercule Poirot in A Haunting in Venice. Apart from his prolific acting career, Branagh has showcased his talents as a writer and director in projects like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Thor.

All episodes of Blue Eye Samurai are available to stream on Netflix

Blue Eye Samurai Supporting Cast

Stephanie Tsu portrays the character of Ise, a prostitute working for Madame Kaji, known for her witty and unsympathetic nature. However, after developing a relationship with Princess Akemi and discovering their shared aspirations, Ise undergoes a transformation. Stephanie Tsu has previously showcased her talent as Karen the computer in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical and Mei Lin in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. However, it was her breakthrough role as Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki in Everything Everywhere All At Once that gained her recognition.

Ming-Na Wen takes on the role of Madam Kaji, a no-nonsense businesswoman who manages a specialized brothel catering to various kinks and fetishes. Despite her strict demeanor towards her employees, Madam Kaji genuinely cares for them, often providing valuable advice and wisdom. Ming-Na Wen is renowned for lending her voice to the character Mulan in various Disney films and the Kingdom Hearts series. She has also made appearances in Young Sheldon and played the recurring role of Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.

Harry Shum Jr. takes on the role of Takayoshi, the son of the Shogun, who is often underestimated due to his father's reputation. Despite this, Takayoshi is not as ruthless as his father and is determined to establish his own legacy and bring peace to the land. Shum Jr. has previously appeared in various television shows like Zoey 101, iCarly, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and Everything Everywhere All At Once. However, his most notable role to date is that of Charlie Wu in the film Crazy Rich Asians.

Mark Dacascos voices the character Chiaki, the formidable leader of the Four Fangs gang. Known for his violent fighting skills, Chiaki is nicknamed "Bloodsoaked Chiaki" and has a history with The Swordmaker, having stolen one of his crafted swords. Dacascos is recognized for his appearances in cult action B-movies such as American Samurai, Double Dragon, and Redemption: Kickboxer 5. More recently, he has made notable appearances in television series like Hawaii Five-O and the film John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum.

Editor's P/S

Blue Eye Samurai is a new animated series on Netflix that has a lot to offer. The voice cast is one of the best things about the show, with each actor bringing their own unique personality and energy to their role.

Maya Erskine is perfectly cast as Mizu, the strong-willed and intelligent main character. She brings a lot of depth and emotion to the role, and her performance is one of the highlights of the show. Masi Oka is also great as Ringo, the cheerful and passionate soba maker. He brings a lot of humor and heart to the role, and his performance is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Darren Barnet is also great as Taigen, the accomplished swordsman with a conceited nature. He brings a lot of charisma and swagger to the role, and his performance is sure to make him a fan favorite. Brenda Song is also great as Princess Akemi, the young and sheltered member of royalty who longs for freedom and independence. She brings a lot of grace and elegance to the role, and her performance is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Overall, the voice cast of Blue Eye Samurai is one of the best things about the show. Each actor brings their own unique personality and energy to their role, and their performances are sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.