After Hercules and Power series, Starz is ready to get its samurai on. The premium cable network is known for its gritty, bloody and sexy way of filming the TV shows so I wouldn’t be surprised if the new show will be filmed the same way.
Black Samurai will be produced by RZA and Jerry Bruckheimer and based on Marc Olden’s book series Black Samurai.
“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,” RZA said.
The drama follows Robert Sand, 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.
Jim Kelly already played this character in 1977 film so Starz announced that the potential series will be the modern look at the original novels.
Common, better known for his role of a killer in John Wick 2 or as a black railroad щverseer from AMC’s Western Hell on Wheels, is attached to star and executive produce via his Freedom Road Productions banner.
“I’m beyond excited about Black Samurai. This is a unique and special project that offers something rarely seen in art and culture today,” Common said.
Cormac and Marianne Wibberley (National Treasure, Bad Boys II) will pen the script and serve as showrunners should the project move forward.
“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,” Starz president of programming Carmi Zlotnik said Tuesday in a statement.
While we all waiting for the release let’s re-watch the old-fashion trailer with the late Jim Kelly. Enjoy!