Where Discipline Meets Destiny
FUSION: As an actor with a clear vision of taking on incredible roles, what goes through your mind when you're auditioning for a part you truly want-especially knowing so many others are competing for the same role? How do you stay confident, focused, and fully prepared to stand out and win the audition?
Mackenyu: As I said earlier, I am not a very confident person, so I try to prep as much as possible and hopefully people see something in me and I get cast. I don't consider it competing, but rather whose take on the role is what people are looking for, and hopefully my approach is the most well-received.
FUSION: When you're not on set, what are some passions or hobbies that help you relax or recharge? Do you find balance outside of acting, or does your work always stay with you?
Mackenyu: Well, I like to go to saunas, I like the wilderness, beaches, the feeling of the wind. Truthfully, I like to be in touch with nature just to reset my energy. It used to be challenging to find balance, but as I've grown older, I've found the balance between work and home. I have been trying to relax as much as possible when I don't need to be somewhere for work. It's helped me take a step back and appreciate acting more.
FUSION: Fans admire your dedication to martial arts and physical training. What keeps you motivated to stay so disciplined, and does your training influence how you approach your acting?
Mackenyu: It's nice to hear that the fans are happy because the training is not for me, I do it for the role and to please the audience. The main goal is to satisfy them as they've trusted me with an iconic character. My moti- vation is to bring the most authentic role to them and meet their expec- tations. The training influences my approach because I want 'Zoro' to be accurate across live-action and the anime, so it's a tireless effort to appear as Oda envisioned.
FUSION: What's one thing about you that fans might be surprised to learn-maybe a hidden talent, a quirky habit, or even a guilty pleasure?
Mackenyu I do NOT like to go to the gym, haha. Also, I can make a 3-leaf clover with my tongue.