When it comes to filmmaking, the idea of challenging conventional norms with a narrative is a daring approach. Director Josh C. Waller and actor Shogen embody this audacity in their latest film, “Lone Samurai”. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with them and dive into the creative journey behind this intriguing cinematic work.
Inner Dorks
It was fascinating to learn the ways Waller and Shogen embraced their inner dorks when they were younger.
Waller humorously recounted his passion for musical theater and his aspiration to be on Saturday Night Live, stating, “I was always trying to entertain and do impressions.”
Meanwhile, Shogen’s childhood fascination with writing manga took a back seat to basketball later as a child, yet: “My mom said she thought I would become a manga writer.”
Method Acting Meets Samurai Skills
Shogen’s dedication as a method actor is well-recognized, notably from his preparations for the film “Gensan Punch”. For “Lone Samurai”, he shared an intensive preparation regiment that resembled a military camp designed by Waller. Shogen appreciated the thorough training, explaining, “It was necessary… like we pushed each other in those initial weeks.”
Waller added, “It was like breaking down Shogen and getting out, recouping the character.”
The Script and the Long Journey
The script of “Lone Samurai” resonated with Shogen on a personal level. He described a Japanese term, “koko”, as a guiding principle, which portrays someone with dignity and pride.
“This word came out to me… it really resonated.”
Waller initially conceived the film’s idea back in 2016. He reflected, “Films take forever… Nothing good is easy, so you just have to dig in.”
Revolutionizing Genre Norms
A significant aspect of “Lone Samurai” is its refreshing take on traditional tropes. Waller sought to sidestep the expected shipwreck survival scenarios because, as he put it, “He’s a samurai, the guy knows how to survive.”
This film stands out not just as a samurai-vs-samurai story but as a clash of cultures that included primitives who had not even discovered metal forging.
Conclusion
Creating “Lone Samurai” was undeniably a labor of passion and innovation for Josh C. Waller and Shogen. Their combined vision and perseverance highlight the film as an example of how persistence shapes art. Despite a near-decade journey to release, the film’s unique essence is what sets it apart: “It was always intended to be like… samurai cannibal shipwreck? What is it?”
Join many others in experiencing this audacious, genre-defying film. As Shogen hinted at the nature of discovery and creation, some tales are simply meant to unfold, against all odds. “Lone Samurai” will be in limited theaters and available on digital on December 12, 2025. For more information about the film including screentimes, visit: https://wellgousa.com/films/lone-samurai
