Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles
| Company type | Animated television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Entertainment |
| Founded | April 28, 2022 |
| Parent | Netflix Animation, Atomic Monster, Dark Horse Entertainment, Gaumont Animation |
| Website | www |
Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles is an animated action-comedy series created by Candie and Doug Langdale, inspired loosely by Stan Sakai's Usagi Yojimbo comic books. Differing from the original's historical backdrop, this adaptation takes place in a futuristic setting, with the character Miyamoto Usagi playing a supporting part. Yuki Matsuzaki returns to voice his character from the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show.
The series is a collaborative production involving Netflix Animation, Atomic Monster, Dark Horse Entertainment, and Gaumont Animation. It premiered on Netflix on April 28, 2022, with its second and concluding season released on September 1, 2022.
Synopsis
Set in Neo Edo, Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles centers on Yuichi, a young rabbit and descendant of Miyamoto Usagi, along with his friends Gen, Kitsune, and Chizu as they protect their city against threats posed by Kagehito and the Yokai.
Main
- Darren Barnet voices Yuichi Usagi and Spot
- Aleks Le portrays Gen
- Shelby Rabara acts as Kitsune
- Mallory Low features as Chizu
Villains
- Eric Bauza provides voices for Kagehito, Admiral Nochi, Sakuran, Chikabuma, and O-Dokuro
- Mela Lee voices Lady Fuwa and Warbotto
- SungWon Cho plays Lord Kogane
- Keone Young appears as Hakai
Supporting
- Aleks Le also voices Mogura, Newsbotto, Keisatsukan 3, and Bat 2
- Shelby Rabara lends her voice to Mayumi and Kiyoko
- Mallory Low portrays Jihanki and Shiba Inu 1–3
- SungWon Cho acts as Warimashi, Shiba Inu 2, Bat One, and Head Keisatsukan
- Eric Bauza voices Mechabuma, Street Tough 2, and Yabushito
- Mela Lee performs as Kaiyo, Toshiko, Fumiko, Hana, Kana, Supreme Commander, and Sawaguchi
- Keone Young voices Tetsujin, Hakai, Bat 1, Person 2, and Keisatsu
- Sumalee Montano appears as Karasu-Tengu and Person 3
Minor
- Sumalee Montano also voices Auntie and Mochi-Loving Ninja
- Eric Bauza provides voices for Hat Yokai and Stool-Yokai
- Stephanie Sheh plays Snarky Ninja Kid and Spunky Ninja Kid
- Yuki Matsuzaki returns as Miyamoto Usagi
Production
Gaumont Animation announced plans for a CGI adaptation of the comics in February 2018. By July 2020, it was confirmed that the series would launch on Netflix under the title Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles, produced alongside Netflix Animation. Additional production partners included Atomic Monster and Dark Horse Entertainment. CGI animation was managed by Mumbai-based studio 88 Pictures. Khang Le took on the role of art director.
Showrunners and executive producers were Doug and Candie Langdale. The primary voice cast was unveiled during the July 2021 virtual Comic-Con@Home event, highlighting Darren Barnet as Yuichi Usagi. In April 2022, Yuki Matsuzaki reprised his role as Miyamoto Usagi from the earlier 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series.
Release
The series debuted on Netflix on April 28, 2022, following a trailer release on April 1.