Toshiro Mifune passed away in 1997 due to multiple organ failure at the age of 77, yet Capcom has managed to bring the legendary actor back to life in a way—by using his likeness in their latest game, Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
The game’s official site paints a vivid picture of the main character: a fierce young samurai who’s constantly embroiled in intense and blood-soaked battles. To truly capture this powerful samurai image, Capcom has chosen none other than the legendary Japanese samurai film star, Toshiro Mifune, to be the face model for their portrayal of Miyamoto Musashi.
For those who caught the Onimusha anime on Netflix towards the end of 2023, this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Miyamoto Musashi made an appearance there too, and the creators proudly showcased their ability to digitally render Mifune’s face from reality to animation in the lead-up to the show’s release.
The Onimusha game series is no stranger to featuring both living and deceased actors as their leads. In Onimusha: Warlords, Takeshi Kaneshiro took on the role of Samonosuke Akechi. The series has also utilized the likeness of Yūsaku Matsuda, who tragically died in 1989, along with the well-known Jean Reno for its protagonists in later games.
Mifune’s digital portrayal in Onimusha: Way of the Samurai was accomplished with the full support of Mifune Productions. Founded by the actor himself in 1962, this company still holds the rights to his likeness, ensuring that his legacy continues to shine both on-screen and in the gaming world.
