Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Shōgun, the critically acclaimed historical drama created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, finished its 10-episode run on FX last week. Anna Sawai received acclaim from critics and viewers alike for her portrayal of the tragic Toda Mariko.
The New Zealand-born actress, 31, is expected to be flooded with some good film offers, and it would not be shocking if she got a chance to play a big superhero role at some point. When speaking with THR about her career in Hollywood, Sawai hinted that her big break might have come much sooner.
She had the opportunity to audition for the role of Katana inSuicide Squad(2016), but she had to pass that up because of her commitment to her J-Pop group, FAKY. Fortunately for us, Sawai could still be cast in a wide range of roles that are spiritually related to herShōguncharacter.
Anna Sawai Opened Up About Passing on Katana’s Role inSuicide Squad
Anna Sawai, who many knew from her roles as Naomi inPachinkoand Elle inF9, has had a successful year. Not only is she a vital member of the ensemble in theMonsterVerse seriesMonarch: Legacy of Monsters, but she has also been making waves in the miniseriesShōgunthese past few months.
“We are still categorized to play submissive, quiet ladies”: Shogun Star Anna Sawai Called Out Hollywood’s Blatant Racism That’s Been Going on for Decades
But long before any of these roles ever came her way, though, she was forced to pass up the chance to try out for the role of Katana inSuicide Squad.As the Japanese actress revealed toTHRrecently:
“I was like, ‘This is my chance!’ And then I go to my manager and he’s like, ‘You can’t audition.’ They basically told me that if I’m gone for over a month, the girls [the other members of FAKY] are not going to have anything to do… It felt like they were really tying me down, and because of my contract…”
Needless to say, there is no guarantee Sawai would have gotten the role, and even if she had, her status might not have increased significantly.Karen Fukuharaultimately played Katana, and while Sawai was not able to secure the role, she did commendThe Boysstar.
“She did an amazing job, and I respect her so much, and I love her. But also, I would have loved to audition for it.”
When Sawai watched the season finale ofShōgunin her Los Angeles hotel room, she confessed she went through“very emotional” feelings.Despite missing out onSuicide Squad, the actress can still showcase her talents in roles that are equally epic as herShōgun’scharacter.
BeyondShōgun: James Gunn’s Diverse Casting Options for Anna Sawai
Anna Sawaidid a fantastic jobportraying the role of Toda Mariko, a highborn with a strong Toranaga allegiance, who converted to Catholicism and serves as a translator between Blackthorne and Toranaga. PerScreen Rant’s description of the character, Mariko is fiercely strong and incredibly intelligent.
“I had to read books on Hosokawa Gracia”: Shogun Star Anna Sawai Deserves an Emmy for the Extreme Lengths She Went to for Toda Mariko
But now, let us take a look at three roles thatJames Gunn(CEO of DC Studios) could consider casting Sawai. Even though she could not become Katana, here are some roles that are not much of a departure from Toda Mariko.
One role that the actress certainly has the potential to excel in is that of Cheshire, a skilled assassin and martial artist in the DC Universe. The character is known for her deadly tactics and cunning personality. If Gunn were to consider casting her, she could only add to Cheshire’s complexity by evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue on screen.
Another character the actress could embody with grace and power is Doctor Light, a DC comic superhero who can control and manipulate light energy. With her commanding presence and ethereal beauty, Sawai would give this character a fresh perspective and reveal depth and subtlety; even fans would agree:
She dodged a bullet because there wasn’t too much to do with Katana in that movie. But I like her, she should play Doctor Light.pic.twitter.com/w30ERKZF9F
— Highball Lantern (@ervinhighball)July 12, 2025
Lastly, not to be overlooked is Lady Shiva (Sandra Wu-San), a fierce and formidable fighter in the DC Universe known for her extraordinary martial arts skills. The character was co-created by Dennis O’Neil and Ric Estrada. Given Sawai’s experience in action-packed roles, it would be easy for her to nail this character. Plus, her experience inShōgunproves that she can deal with such a complicated and dynamic role with ease.
Well, whether playing Lady Shiva, Doctor Light, or Cheshire, Sawai would surely bring something unique to each character, giving these legendary roles fresh energy and performances that would astound viewers.
“In no way should it be compared to GOT”: Bold Claim Of Shōgun Season 1 Being Better Than Game of Thrones Infuriates Fans
Shōgunis available on Hulu, whileSuicide Squadis streaming on Max.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
