Hiroyuki Sanada’s Emmy Win Makes Him Literally Perfect for 1 Naruto Live-Action Role That Cannot Be Passed

Live-action adaptations are in a league of their own. However, it can be tricky, especially with the casting. It’s almost equivalent to skating on thin ice. But not with this one. Being one of the Big 3 of Shonen, Naruto’s live-action movie is rumored to be under work. Moreover, Hiroyuki Sanada would be a perfect addition to the cast.

Team 7 in a still from the series |Credit: Studio Pierrot

The fan casting for the rumored movie has put forth the Emmy actor’s name for the role of the Third Hokage. While he is typecasted as a samurai character, the resemblance between the actor and the character is uncanny and does make sense.

Hiroyuki Sanada’s Emmy win outlines his acting prowess

Hiroyuki Sanada is one of the finest and most seasoned Japanese actors whose career spans 57 years. Apart from contributing to Japanese movies, television, and theatre, he starred in several Hollywood movies along with Hong Kong films. Some of his notable works include Mortal Kombat, Ring, The Last Samurai, Rush Hour, and the Prime Time Emmy Award Winning Series Shogun (2024).

A still from the Emmy Winning show Shogun | Credit: FX Productions

Besides that, Sanada started his career at the age of 6 as a child actor. Apart from his rich career in action films, he is the first Japanese actor to win the Best Lead at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. His journey in Hollywood as a Japanese actor was nothing short of a struggle. Although his acting portfolio outlines his forte in the action genre, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

In an interview with Mens’ Journal, Sanada revealed his proficiency in martial arts. He quoted:

I think I was six years old when I first had a sword in my hand. My father studied kendo, which is a Japanese style of sword fighting. He studied that a long time, and he gave me a wooden sword then when I was a kid. He started by teaching me some basic movements. My brother was two years old and we would fight each other,

As an actor who is fluent and well-versed in martial arts, Sanada’s Emmy Win outlines his acting prowess. This is a big move considering the typecasting allegations he has faced as an actor. Besides that, his role as Hiruzen Sarutobi would prove fruitful. 

Sanada’s role as Hiruzen Sarutobi in the Naruto live-action movie could topple the typecasting allegations. 

Despite his major roles in action movies, even Sanada wasn’t exempt from the typecasting allegations. His role as a Japanese guy in American movies led him to be reduced to a typecast character. Be it Rush Hour or John Wick, fans have pointed out his stereotypical roles in Hollywood films. However, there’s more to his acting portfolio than the typecast characters.

Hiruzen Sarutobi in a still from the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While Sanada is known for his iconic samurai roles, his portfolio outlines a plethora of roles that underscore his versatility as an actor. Besides his acting skills, his mastery of sword fighting and karate makes him perfect for the role of Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto. His acting and physical prowess highlight his versatility and diversity as an actor.

Apart from his mastery of sword fighting and karate, he performs his stunts in movies. He’s also skilled in horse riding. Furthermore, he is an honorary member of the order of the British Empire. While his role as the third Hokage isn’t confirmed, the actor would certainly do absolute justice to the character in the live-action movie.

The Primetime Emmy-winning series Shogun is available for streaming on Hulu. Naruto is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.