If you live in New York City and you’re at all curious and interested in what’s happening with musician and filmmaker RZA these days, the Metrograph seems like a good place to start as he’ll be hosting a kung fu double feature on June 25. Suffice it to say it’ll be a great time to answer any and all questions you might have about his latest television venture in the adaptation of Marc Olden’s 1974 book series, Black Samurai.
For this, we bring word from Variety that co-star of upcoming Suicide Squad and next year’s John Wick: Chapter Two, actor Common will star in the forthcoming series while further news awaits of a network landing. The series – the latest cinematic rendering since the 1977 film adaptation, sees Common in the role of Robert Sand, a former soldier belaguered by racism, and raised and trained in the samurai arts for seven years by the master who rescued him. When his master and his friends are killed, Sand will implement the very tools and skills needed to wage war against back against the oppresive and corrupt forces responsible.
RZA, director and star of the 2012 cult kung fu brawler, The Man With The Iron Fists and star of its 2015 DTDvd sequel from Roel Reine, will executive produce with Wu Films’ Mitchell Diggs and Diane Crafford, and executive producer Andre Gaines who acquired the rights. Says Gaines: “Robert Sand is like black Jason Bourne. Black Samurai is one of the most unique, timely and fun experiences I’ve ever read, while at the same time tackling some serious subjects around race and diversity, …With ‘John Wick 2’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ coming up, Common was an obvious choice for the role, and I’m thrilled to have him on board. I believe he’s the next great American actor.”
Stay tuned!