Starz announced that the development of “Black Samurai” series is on its way.
“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 [Gaines] at the helm, we can feel certain this will be exceptional storytelling,” Carmi Zlotnik, president of programming for Starz, said in a statement Tuesday.
Rapper Common will be playing the character Robert Sand, a highly trained American Army Ranger who meets a Japanese master. Who trains Sand’s as a samurai.
“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!” said Common.
Common is not only starring in the series but he is also an executive producer under his Freedom Road Production, which is partnering with Jerry Bruckheimer Production.
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Starz, Common, RZA and Andre Gaines on Black Samurai,” Jerry Bruckheimer added. “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.”
RZA and Mitchell Diggs will also executive produce the action-drama series for Wu Films.
RZA added “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.”
“Black Samurai” novels written by Marc Olden, the series update is written by show-runners Cormac and Marianne Wibberley.
Will you be tuning in?
