Starz Developing Black Samurai Action Series

Starz is developing an action-drama series under the working title Black Samurai with Jerry Bruckheimer Television that will star Common (John Wick 2, Suicide Squad, Selma).

Common will also executive produce under his Freedom Road Productions banner. Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA (Kill Bill 1 & 2, American Gangster) and Mitchell Diggs will also executive produce for Wu Films. Based on the Black Samurai novels written by Marc Olden, the series 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.

The series will be updated from the original novels and 1977 film. It will be a mash-up of the spy and martial arts genres and infused with the heart, soul and music of Common and the Wu-Tang Clan.

Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, The Amazing Race, CSI, Black Hawk Down, National Treasure, Top Gun) is on board as an executive producer. Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

Carmi Zlotnik, the president of programming for Starz, said: “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.”

“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.”

“I’m beyond excited about Black Samurai,” said Common. “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!”

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 arts 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.”