Starz has been for “Black Samurai“, a hip-hop infused martial arts/espionage series. The project is the brainchild of actor/rapper Common (Smokin Aces, John Wick: Chapter 2) and Wu Tang Clan member-turned-director RZA (The Man with the Iron Fists). It is based on the 1974 novel by Marc Olden, which was previously adapted by Al Adamson in 1977 with Jim Kelly in the titular role.
RZA will produce the series and likely direct multiple episodes. Common will produce alongside him, as well as star in the lead role of Robert Sand. A former soldier turned on a quest for righteous vengeance, Sand utilizes both his military and samurai training to navigate our racist, crime-filled world. Pretty topical, if you ask me.
If Common and RZA aren’t enough of a powerhouse team-up for you, they have Hollywood mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer backing them up. On the showrunner front, the series will be spearhead by Cormac & Marianne Wibberley (Bad Boys II, National Treasure).
“I’ve been a fan of the Robert Sand character since I was a kid, Black Samurai being one of the films that got me into the martial art genre. A chance to combine with Jerry Bruckheimer, Common and Andre Gaines to reintroduce this character to a new generation makes myself and my partner Mitchell Diggs at Wu Films super stoked. With the Wibbs leading the writing team and Starz as our outlet, I’m certain the series will find its fan base.” – RZA
“I’m beyond excited about Black Samurai. This is a unique and special project that offers something rarely seen in art and culture today. It’s an honor to play the character of Robert Sand and to have my production company, Freedom Road Productions partnering with Jerry Bruckheimer Productions, RZA and Starz to deliver something fresh and new to people. I can’t wait to dig into this character and the martial arts worlds of gun fu, kung fu, jujitsu and more. Look out world, Black Samurai is coming!” – Common
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Starz, Common, RZA and Andre Gaines on Black Samurai. This incredible creative team will combine all of their talents and experience to bring the classic book series to brand-new life with cutting-edge artistry, music and imagery.” – Jerry Bruckheimer
“We cannot wait for the world to meet Robert Sand — part Jason Bourne, part James Bond, and 100 percent the hero we need today. Black Samurai promises to be an action-packed ride and with the Bruckheimer team, Common, RZA and Andre at the helm, we can feel certain this will be exceptional storytelling”- Carmi Zlotnik, Starz’s president of programming
More as it comes.
