The Katana character, renowned for her unique street-level hero status within DC Comics, is actually Tatsu Yamashiro, a skilled swordsman who wields the Soultaker sword. She has served in teams such as the Outsiders and the Birds of Prey. On-screen interpretations of this character have already been presented in shows like ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Arrow’, establishing a pattern for the role requiring a blend of realistic action and poignant character development.
Considering the emergence of a fresh DC Universe, it’s beneficial to examine performers who possess versatile linguistic skills, have demonstrated their abilities in action-oriented work, and are familiar with comic book universes. The following names have garnered significant experience in genre productions, have undergone training with stunt groups or dance troupes, and boast resumes that prove they can handle both the physical and emotional aspects of Tatsu seamlessly.
Karen Fukuhara
Karen Fukuhara, who portrayed Katana in ‘Suicide Squad’, built her character’s physical authenticity through intensive training with stunt professionals. In the TV series ‘The Boys’, she plays Kimiko, a role demanding consistent fight scenes and meticulous actions throughout various seasons.
As a movie buff fluent in English and Japanese, I’ve had the privilege of working on both live-action and animated films, even lending my voice as a lead for ‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’. My experience extends beyond the studio, with appearances at press conferences and conventions linked to prominent franchises. This background gives me a keen understanding of the fast-paced, demanding nature of large-scale comic book productions.
Rila Fukushima
In a simpler, more conversational style:
Rila Fukushima played the role of Yukio in ‘The Wolverine’, where she showcased her skills with swords and fast-moving action scenes. Later on, she joined the cast of ‘Arrow’ as Tatsu, allowing her to delve deeper into the character’s personality and background over several episodes.
She’s known for her work in films like ‘Ghost in the Shell’, immersing herself within a visually captivating cyberpunk universe. With a career spanning across borders, she has both modeled and acted globally. Proficient in English and Japanese, she accommodates production needs on international film sets.
Tao Okamoto
In simpler, more conversational terms: Tao Okamoto played the role of Mariko Yashida in ‘The Wolverine’, delivering both intense emotional scenes and thrilling action sequences. Later on, she appeared as Mercy Graves in ‘Batman v Superman’, making her part of a big-studio superhero movie produced by DC.
This artist’s TV portfolio features notable projects such as ‘Hannibal’ and ‘Westworld’, renowned for meticulous scene coordination and narrative precision. With a multi-faceted global career encompassing both fashion and cinema, she excels in handling fast-paced productions that switch locations frequently.
Shioli Kutsuna
In “Deadpool 2”, Shioli Kutsuna took on the character of Yukio, demonstrating skilled swordplay as part of an action-packed cast dominated by visual effects. She is also featured in the science fiction series ‘Invasion’, where her role demands physical storytelling rather than extensive dialogue.
This individual hails from a dual background – Japanese and Australian – and is fluent in two languages, which adds depth to character aspects related to cultural understanding. Her resumé spans film and television industries across various nations, and lately, she’s been engaged in regular roles that follow the rhythm of franchise narratives.
Jessica Henwick
In the TV series ‘Iron Fist’ and later in ‘The Defenders’, Jessica Henwick took charge in action-packed episodes. She subsequently resumed her fighting roles. Her television career also includes portraying a member of the Sand Snakes in ‘Game of Thrones’. This required weapons training and filming across multiple countries.
Her film appearances encompass both ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and ‘Glass Onion’, ensuring a blend of action-packed and character-focused projects. She dedicated significant effort to her martial arts training for television, resulting in graceful performance on screen and streamlined rehearsals during production.
Kiki Sukezane
Kiki Sukezane first gained prominence portraying Miko Otomo in ‘Heroes Reborn’, a role that required mastery of swordplay and nimbleness. Later, she continued to display her skills in action sequences and attention to detail in the intricate set design when she appeared on ‘Westworld’.
In preparation for ‘Heroes Reborn’, she dedicated intense sword training to match the action requirements of the show. Fluent in both English and Japanese, she brings expertise in promotions and fan interactions – aspects often associated with roles based on comic books.
Haruka Abe
In the movie ‘Snake Eyes’, Haruka Abe portrayed Akiko, a character that demanded intimate combat scenes and proficiency with various weapons. Her acting credits span both British and Japanese projects, showcasing her adaptability to diverse language contexts and ease in handling sets with varying production styles.
She boasts a diverse background in advertising, television, and cinema, having spent time on productions blending dramatic scenes with action sequences. Raised in both Tokyo and London, she’s well-suited for roles requiring a global persona.
Rinko Kikuchi
Rinko Kikuchi was nominated for an Academy Award following her role in ‘Babel’, and subsequently took on a leading part in ‘Pacific Rim’ where she performed large-scale action sequences. This movie required intensive preparation and synchronization with both visual effects and practical sets.
She consistently works on a mix of self-driven dramas and various genre films, such as ‘Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter’. Fluent in both English and Japanese, she’s collaborated with international directors, making her an asset for multi-national film projects.
Sonoya Mizuno
Sonoya Mizuno honed her skills at the Royal Ballet School, which she later utilized in her roles for ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. Her performances were marked by precision. In ‘Devs’, she assumed a key role, demonstrating an impressive ability to maintain a controlled physical presence and stillness that translates effectively on screen.
In simpler, more conversational terms:
She is featured on the show ‘House of the Dragon’ and consistently shines in high-quality TV productions. Her dance background aids her in quickly learning fight sequences and maintaining smooth, easily-followed movements that benefit both stunt teams and camera operators.
Pom Klementieff
In simpler terms, Pom Klementieff is known for portraying Mantis in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movie series, which features an ensemble cast. She’s been honing her skills for action-packed scenes in these films and has also been preparing for combat roles in more recent projects.
Across both European and American film industries, her versatile career stretches, and she boasts proficiency in various languages such as French and English. Her résumé is enriched with press tour experiences linked to blockbuster premieres, proving beneficial when a character plays a pivotal part in a multiverse narrative.
Jamie Chung
In “The Gifted,” Jamie Chung portrayed Clarice Fong, delivering impressive action scenes over two seasons. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character GoGo Tomago in “Big Hero 6,” reprising the role in subsequent spin-offs set within the same universe.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been captivated by the mesmerizing performances of an actress who has graced both ‘Once Upon a Time’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. Her versatility in genre storytelling on television is truly admirable. From features to series, her work with wire rigs and fight choreography is nothing short of impressive. With a wealth of experience working within ensemble casts, she always leaves an indelible mark on the screen.
Chiaki Kuriyama
Chiaki Kuriyama gained global recognition for her impressive action choreography in ‘Kill Bill’. Additionally, she was part of the talented cast in ‘Battle Royale’, a groundbreaking film that required physically demanding performances from its young actors.
Her professional journey encompasses film, television, and music within the Japanese entertainment industry. She’s had encounters with global media due to her prominent roles. Maintaining a strong on-screen identity, particularly in action genres, she remains active across various project formats.
Miki Ishikawa
In a television series titled ‘The Terror’, Miki Ishikawa made an appearance. There, she demonstrated her ability to tackle the complexities of period dramas and collaborative storytelling within an ensemble cast. Subsequently, she ventured into the Marvel universe in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’, providing her with valuable experience in large-scale production for a franchise.
She boasts both film and TV roles within the U.S., working fluently in both English and Japanese. Her busy schedule over the past few years has consistently included projects from studios known for creating interwoven narratives, aligning with the fast-paced production style characteristic of a shared cinematic universe.
Anna Akana
In the series ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’, Anna Akana took on the role of Raikou, a character renowned for her masterful swordsmanship and disciplined actions. Outside of this action-packed role, she has also been seen in productions such as ‘Let It Snow’, which expanded her film portfolio to encompass ensemble dramas beyond her usual action genre.
As for me, I’m not just an actress; I also dabble in writing, producing, and directing, with a focus on short-form projects that make their way through various festivals. My background comprises stand-up comedy and online work, which has been instrumental in maintaining the consistent media presence required for a role in comic books.
Lana Condor
Lana Condor starred in the TV series ‘Deadly Class’ portraying Saya Kuroki, a character known for her mastery in weaponry and action sequences. She also took the lead in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ movies, earning her significant fame and recognition among audiences worldwide.
In her initial movie career, she has appeared in action-centric films like ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. Maintaining a versatile approach, she balances both cinema and television projects. Her celebrity status often coincides with the promotional timelines of major film franchises.
Share your own Katana picks in the comments and tell us who you would cast in the DCU.
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2025-08-22 01:35