Knights of the Zodiac is the 2023 live-action adaptation of the popular Saint Seiya manga and Knights of the Zodiac anime series. The film follows Seiya, who lost his sister when she was tragically taken away from him at a young age. He is on the hunt for her, and will never stop, when he suddenly realizes he has hidden powers deep inside of him.
Mackenyu stars as the lead character, Seiya, who must decide if he wishes to protect a reincarnated goddess, Sienna (Madison Iseman), or continue to look for his long-lost sister. The manifestation of his powers throws him into a world he isn’t sure he wants to be a part of. Mackenyu is the son of Japanese actor Sonny Chiba, and is following in his footsteps with his acting career.
Related: Knights Of The Zodiac’s Cast & Character Guide (2023)
Screen Rant spoke with Mackenyu about what he is most excited for fans to see in Knights of the Zodiac, as well as if he would return to play Seiya again in a sequel. He also revealed what it was like to do his own stunts and be on such a massive set. Finally, the actor gave a quick update on the One Piece series, in which he plays Roronoa Zoro.
Mackenyu Talks Knights of the Zodiac
Screen Rant: What are you most excited for the fans to see in Knights of the Zodiac?
Mackenyu: This is a Japanese film in live action. It’s groundbreaking. They’ve never done this before. Well, technically they have but not with a Japanese American lead. It doesn’t happen very often. I’m definitely excited for that. I love the visual effects. It’s just amazing. I love how it looks. I’ve watched it three times already and I love it. So I hope people love it too.
Screen Rant: Were you a fan of the Knights of the Zodiac manga or anime before getting the role?
Mackenyu: I knew about it. It’s an old manga. It’s an old anime.I know that there are many fans out there. One thing I want to point out is that it’s 2023 now and this manga was born in the 1980s, before I was born. This is a new version of Saint Seiya. A 2023 version. There will be stuff that’s going to be different, or I should say new. Whether you’re a fan or not, I hope everyone enjoys.
Screen Rant: Did you get to do a lot of your own stunts in this movie? Because there is some insane stuff.
Mackenyu: Right? We had hours of stunt rehearsals in Budapest with Andy and his stunt team. I did my best to do my own stunts. I like to do my own action. I did most but there were some here and there that they didn’t allow me to do.
Screen Rant: Can’t have the star getting hurt.
Mackenyu: Exactly. They told me there is only one me. There’s no second Mackenyu.
Screen Rant: How did you feel when you first put the armor on?
Mackenyu: I felt amazing. You don’t really have those moments a lot, where they make armor just for you. We had a lot of sizing sessions and when I got to see the actual armor for the first time, I was overwhelmed. It was perfection.
Screen Rant: Knights of the Zodiac feels like it is setting up for a whole franchise. Would you come back to do more?
Mackenyu: Definitely. Yeah. I’m as excited as the super fans out there for Saint Seiya. I’m really looking forward to a sequel.
Screen Rant: Speaking of Seiya, how would you describe him for those who don’t know anything about the character?
Mackenyu: He works hard. He has a goal in his life, and he’s trying hard to pursue that goal. He fights his way up. It’s an underdog story. It’ll definitely make you feel like you want to give a hand to Seiya and say go for it.
Screen Rant: Have you learned anything from playing him?
Mackenyu: Not for me personally, but the movie definitely has a message to not give up and to fight your way to your goals and your dreams.
Screen Rant: What do you think separates Knights of the Zodiac from other action-hero films?
Mackenyu: There’s a Japanese American actor that’s doing the role. You don’t see that very often, I think. There are also a lot of ethnicities in this project too, so it’s definitely an international film. I’m truly honored to be representing the Japanese American community.
Screen Rant: Your father was a great actor. Did you learn anything about the craft from him?
Mackenyu: I think there’s more he should have taught me, but I would have not listened to him at all anyway. You know how sons are. I’m definitely following his footsteps, though. He’s the coolest man. He was the first actor to actually step out of Japan and challenge himself in Hollywood, so he’s got my respect.
Screen Rant: You talked about the messages in Knights of the Zodiac earlier. What do you hope that people take away from this film?
Mackenyu: The most important part is to have a blast watching it. Whether you’re a fan of Saint Seiya or not, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this film. We’re doing something new. This is new for Japan. This is new for me. And it’s totally exciting. The most I hope for is the audience will want a sequel. That’s the most I can ask for.
Screen Rant: What was it like filming on these massive sets?
Mackenyu: It felt good, for sure. I loved the sets. I love how it looks on screen too. It was definitely something new for me. I’ve never had those big sets around me when I was in Japan. So I had a blast.
Screen Rant: Congratulations on the film. I am looking forward to seeing you in One Piece as well. Is there anything you can tease about it?
Mackenyu: We recently had a message released from Oda Sensei, the author. That’s all I can tell you. I want to know just as much as the fans want to know. I’m waiting at the moment, too.
About Knights of the Zodiac
Produced by Toei Animation and based on the international anime sensation, Knights of the Zodiac brings the Saint Seiya saga to the big screen in live-action for the first time. Seiya (Mackenyu), a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches for his abducted sister. When one of his fights unwittingly taps into mystical powers he never knew he had, Seiya finds himself thrust into a world of warring saints, ancient magical training and a reincarnated goddess who needs his protection. If he’s to survive, he will need to embrace his destiny and sacrifice everything to take his rightful place among the Knights of the Zodiac.
Check out our other Knights of the Zodiac interviews here:
- Sean Bean
- Mark Dacascos & Madison Iseman
- Famke Janssen, Diego Tinoco & Nick Stahl
Knights of the Zodiac arrives in theaters on May 12.
