The Ghost of Tsushima movie adaptation wants to take an approach that will see the film have an all-Japanese cast speaking in Japanese, according to director Chad Stahelski.

In a recent interview with Collider, Stahelski reveals how Akira Kurosawa has become one of the biggest influences in his film career and that he wants that influence to be seen in the upcoming project. He says that he wants the Ghost of Tsushima movie to be done “in character” and wants a “complete Japanese cast, in Japanese.”

“So, I think if we did this right, it would be visually stunning. It’s character driven. It’s got an opportunity for great action, great looks. And honestly, we’d to try to do it, all in character. Meaning, it’s a Japanese thing about the Mongols invading Tsushima island. A complete Japanese cast, in Japanese. Sony is so on board with backing us on that.“ Stahelski says.

Stahelski further shares that “I’ve been going to Japan since I was 16. I have a love of the country, love of the people, love of the language. To try to direct not only in my language, but someone else’s and culturally shift my mindset to bring apart that in a cool way that still entices a Western audience.”

This makes a lot of sense, seeing as Ghost of Tsushima is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Japanese people. Of course, not having English will be a big hurdle to overcome, but Stahelski is confident about making it work.

“No one is going to give me $200 million to do a technology-push movie without speaking English. I get it. So, I have to be clever and I have to figure out what’s fiduciarily responsible to the property, to the studio and still get what I want out of it and still make it something epic,” says Stahelski.

“Again, big challenge, man. And we’re entering two a time where I think that’s, I’m like you, man. I’ll read subtitles all day. And I think America in general, or at least the Western audiences in general are getting more and more used to that because of the influence of Netflix and streamers and stuff, where we get so much more of a world content.“

Are you excited about the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima movie?