Ubisoft has announced that actor Mackenyu, who is best known for his role as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece and his work in Knights Of The Zodiac and Dragons Of Wonderhatch, will make his video game debut, lending both his voice and likeness to the highly-anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Mackenyu portrays Gennojo, a charming individual who crosses path with Naoe and Yasuke while they are tracking a crucial target. Players can recruit him in the Shinobi League to aid in their fight against the forces of corruption that are rampant across the land. Mackenyu will be doing both the Japanese and English voice over for this character.

Mackenyu said:

“I have fond memories of the franchise. I was in middle school when Assassin’s Creed first came out, and I remember my friends and I would gather at a friend’s house and take turns playing the game,.When I heard that the new Assassin’s Creed game would be set in Japan, I knew that I needed to be part of this project.”

Jonathan Dumont, Creative Director at Ubisoft Quebec, the lead development studio for Assassin’s Creed Shadows said:

“Mackenyu’s performance added something really special to our game. His unique energy and charisma breathe life into Gennojo, and we’re eager for players to meet the character and explore his story.”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in feudal Japan where the forces of vengeance and mercy collide during the critical events of the country’s unification. The game introduces a novel dual protagonist system, featuring Naoe, a skillful shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai. These characters offer distinct gameplay experiences as their stories intertwine in a world where lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC (via Steam and other platforms) on 20 March 2025.

Check out the latest trailer below: