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8.27.2009

hiroyuki sanada joins the cast of lost

It's been a loooong summer since the Lost season five finale. And we've still got a long way to go until the premiere of season six. In the meantime, here's an interesting bit of casting news... Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada will be joining the cast of Lost in an undetermined but important role: 'Lost' exclusive: Japanese superstar Hiroyuki Sanada lands 'significant' role.

Who's he playing? Nobody really knows. Hell, given the nature of last season's insane-ass cliffhanger, and all the wild and crazy places this show takes you, he really could be anyone. You could tell me he's the magical shape-shifting human form of Vincent the dog, and I'd half believe you. Here's one person's theory:
"My prediction... is that he will play a mystical mystery man who serves as John Locke's Obi-Wan-meets-Mr. Miyagi in the post-Jughead rebooted Lost timeline. Attuned to The Island's magic -- perhaps an embodiment of The Island itself -- Hiroyuki's character will help the amnesiac Locke rediscover his destiny to become The Island knight/protector and guide him back, even as dark forces conspire to stop Locke and the rest of the castaways from going back."
That sounds cool to me -- and a good as guess as any. You might recognize Sanada from Hollywood roles in movies like The Last Samurai and Rush Hour 3. I was particularly fond of him as Kaneda in Danny Boyle's sci-fi thriller Sunshine. He's a good actor, and in my book, it's always great to see yet another Asian face on Lost. Season six premieres sometime next year.