Common to Star, Executive Produce ‘Black Samurai’ for Starz
The ever busy rapper/actor Common’s next project will take him to television.
He will star in and executive produce Black Samurai at Starz. The action series is based on the books by Marc Olden.
The project is also being produced by blockbuster film producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA.
Black Samurai will follow the character of Robert Sand (Common), a highly trained American Army Ranger whose life is transformed when he meets a legendary Japanese master who invites him to train as a samurai. After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.
Common is no stranger to the action genre, with breakout performances in John Wick: Chapter 2, Run All Night and Hell on Wheels.
“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,” said Common. “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!”
The series will be a modern day update of the books and 1977 film. Source: Fonts in Use
Carmi Zlotnik, president of programming for Starz echoed Common’s sentiments about the project.
“We cannot wait for the world to meet Robert Sand – part Jason Bourne, part James Bond, and 100% the hero we need today,” said Zlotnik. “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.”
Bruckheimer has produced everything from the Pirates of the Caribbean films to the CSI series to Lucifer.
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Starz, Common, RZA and Andre Gaines on Black Samurai,” said Bruckheimer. “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.”
As a longtime fan of the Robert Sand books, this is a real passion project for RZA.
“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.,” he said.
Black Samurai is currently in early development, but Geeks of Color will keep you posted on casting news and premiere dates.
Are you interested to see Common in a Black Samurai series?
Source: Black Samurai Press Release
