Karl Yune To Be Maseo Yamashiro In Arrow

Yesterday, it was announced that Devon Aoki will be guest starring in a recurring role as sword-wielding Katana in season 3 of The CW’s Arrow.  Today, fresh from TVLine, we get news that Karl Yune has been cast to play Katana’s ill-fated husband — Maseo Yamashiro.

Karl Yune was last seen as Tak Mashido in 2011’s Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman.  His biggest film to-date has been 2005’s Memoirs of a Geisha.  Yune’s other roles have encompassed both film and television with appearances in Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004), Speed Racer(2008), and Knight Rider (2009).

In the comics, Maseo Yamashiro is one of two brothers wooing Tatsu, aka Katana.  Because Tatsu chooses Maseo as the one she truly loves, the other brother, Takeo becomes jealous and vengeful.  The result is Takeo killing Maseo and causing a fire that kills Tatsu’s and Maseo’s children.  Maseo’s spirit lives on in Takeo’s sword of which Tatsu takes and makes as her new namesake — Katana.

This will be the first time the character of Maseo Yamashiro will be seen outside of the comics.  TVLine reports that Yamashiro will be introduced as Oliver Queen’s former Hong Kong handler and will be seen in those flashbacks.  TVLine goes on to write that

"Over time, he also will evolve into a teacher and a friend who helps Oliver step ever closer to becoming the superhero he is today."

Season 3 of Arrow will premiere on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 8:00PM EST on The CW.