Exclusive: M88 has signed actor Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) for representation.
Best known for starring in Destin Daniel Cretton’s superhero flick Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which saw him make history as the first Asian lead in the MCU, Liu was more recently seen starring opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig’s record-setting Barbie, taking on the role of Rival Ken in the Warner Bros juggernaut.
The actor broke out with his starring role in the popular CBC/Netflix sitcom Kim’s Convenience and has also previously been seen on Max’s comedy series The Other Two.
Next up, Liu will star in an espionage thriller series for Peacock, which he will also executive produce alongside James Wan for Atomic Monster. Other upcoming projects include the Netflix sci-fi thriller Atlas, in which he stars opposite Jennifer Lopez, and Amazon’s action comedy Grand Death Lotto from director Paul Feig,...
Best known for starring in Destin Daniel Cretton’s superhero flick Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which saw him make history as the first Asian lead in the MCU, Liu was more recently seen starring opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in Greta Gerwig’s record-setting Barbie, taking on the role of Rival Ken in the Warner Bros juggernaut.
The actor broke out with his starring role in the popular CBC/Netflix sitcom Kim’s Convenience and has also previously been seen on Max’s comedy series The Other Two.
Next up, Liu will star in an espionage thriller series for Peacock, which he will also executive produce alongside James Wan for Atomic Monster. Other upcoming projects include the Netflix sci-fi thriller Atlas, in which he stars opposite Jennifer Lopez, and Amazon’s action comedy Grand Death Lotto from director Paul Feig,...
- 4/16/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Color Purple director Blitz Bazawule’s next film will be Black Samurai, which Warner Bros. is backing. More on the film below.
CinemaCon is in full swing and our news desk has been busy penning story after story on the new exciting trailers and upcoming reboots and sequels. The latest exciting bit of news, albeit not directly from CinemaCon, involves Blitz Bazawule, the director behind The Color Purple.
As reported by Variety, Bazawule is working on a film about Yasuke, an African warrior who went on to become the very first Black Samurai.
The film is tentatively titled simply Black Samurai. Bazawule has already written the script and will be directing as well as producing. Warner Bros. beat out other studios and streamers in a bidding war. Warner Bros. also released Bazawule’s The Color Purple so there’s already an existing, and presumably good, relationship between the Ghanaian filmmaker and the studio.
CinemaCon is in full swing and our news desk has been busy penning story after story on the new exciting trailers and upcoming reboots and sequels. The latest exciting bit of news, albeit not directly from CinemaCon, involves Blitz Bazawule, the director behind The Color Purple.
As reported by Variety, Bazawule is working on a film about Yasuke, an African warrior who went on to become the very first Black Samurai.
The film is tentatively titled simply Black Samurai. Bazawule has already written the script and will be directing as well as producing. Warner Bros. beat out other studios and streamers in a bidding war. Warner Bros. also released Bazawule’s The Color Purple so there’s already an existing, and presumably good, relationship between the Ghanaian filmmaker and the studio.
- 4/11/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
Warner Bros is getting back in business with The Color Purple director Blitz Bazawule, with the studio landing rights to the tentatively titled Black Samurai with Bazawule directing. He wrote the pic on spec and will also produce under his Inward Gaze banner.
The story will follow Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period of samurai conflict in 16th century Japan. Sources tell Deadline four studios were in the mix for the project, but ultimately Warners came in with best offer on top of the relationship that began following his work on the recent musical adaptation of The Color Purple.
While a number of Yasuke projects have existed in the past, insiders say the original approach from the the filmmaker is being compared to groundbreaking films like 300 and Mad Max (the exact approach still under wraps).
Besides The Color Purple, Bazawule...
The story will follow Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period of samurai conflict in 16th century Japan. Sources tell Deadline four studios were in the mix for the project, but ultimately Warners came in with best offer on top of the relationship that began following his work on the recent musical adaptation of The Color Purple.
While a number of Yasuke projects have existed in the past, insiders say the original approach from the the filmmaker is being compared to groundbreaking films like 300 and Mad Max (the exact approach still under wraps).
Besides The Color Purple, Bazawule...
- 4/10/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Lands ‘Black Samurai’ Movie From ‘The Color Purple’ Director Blitz Bazawule (Exclusive)
In a competitive situation, Warner Bros. has landed “The Color Purple” director Blitz Bazawule’s next project, which takes on the legendary Yasuke, an African warrior who became the first Black samurai.
Sources tell Variety that Warner Bros. beat out three other studios and streamers’ bids on the script, tentatively titled “Black Samurai,” which Bazawule wrote on spec and will direct and produce under his Inward Gaze banner.
After impressing the industry with his 2018 debut “The Burial of Kojo,” helming episodes of Ava DuVernay’s “Cherish the Day” and working with Beyoncé on her feature-length visual album “Black Is King,” Bazawule made his major studio debut with 2023’s “The Color Purple.”
The Ghanaian filmmaker, who brought his unique visual language to the Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg-produced musical movie, is said to have done the same with his take on Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo...
Sources tell Variety that Warner Bros. beat out three other studios and streamers’ bids on the script, tentatively titled “Black Samurai,” which Bazawule wrote on spec and will direct and produce under his Inward Gaze banner.
After impressing the industry with his 2018 debut “The Burial of Kojo,” helming episodes of Ava DuVernay’s “Cherish the Day” and working with Beyoncé on her feature-length visual album “Black Is King,” Bazawule made his major studio debut with 2023’s “The Color Purple.”
The Ghanaian filmmaker, who brought his unique visual language to the Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg-produced musical movie, is said to have done the same with his take on Yasuke, an African warrior who served under Japanese daimyo...
- 4/10/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The comedian and former The Daily Show correspondent talks about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Casablanca (1942) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
The Castle (1997)
The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary
Pressure (1976)
Robinson Crusoe On Mars (1964) – Mick Garris’s trailer commentary
Boss (1975)
Django Unchained (2012) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Thing With Two Heads (1972) – Stuart Gordon’s trailer commentary
The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant (1971)
The Liberation of L.B. Jones (1970)
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970)
Black Samurai (1977)
Truck Turner (1974)
Schindler’s List (1993)
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Judas And The Black Messiah (2021)
Friday Foster (1975)
That Man Bolt (1973)
Blacula (1972)
Foxy Brown (1974) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976)
Willie Dynamite (1973) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Billy Jack (1971)
John Wick (2014)
The Matrix (1999)
Cleopatra Jones...
- 8/17/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Audio elements and sound design, especially the score, are as fundamental to animation as the visuals. The proper use of music at the right time can make the action soar and it’s genuinely exciting that more experimental and passionate creators are embracing the sonic possibilities that television allows. Flying Lotus is an innovative musician with a flair for the extraordinary that cut his teeth on many of the surreal animated series that fill Adult Swim’s programming block.
In addition to his frequent collaborations with Adult Swim, Flying Lotus’ music can be heard in everything from The Boondocks, to Grand Theft Auto V, to episodes of Atlanta and Insecure. Flying Lotus approaches art like a wondrous game and the cleansing energy that comes from his music feels like it’s trying to do something important beyond simple entertainment. His most recent music in Netflix‘s anime series Yasuke comes...
In addition to his frequent collaborations with Adult Swim, Flying Lotus’ music can be heard in everything from The Boondocks, to Grand Theft Auto V, to episodes of Atlanta and Insecure. Flying Lotus approaches art like a wondrous game and the cleansing energy that comes from his music feels like it’s trying to do something important beyond simple entertainment. His most recent music in Netflix‘s anime series Yasuke comes...
- 5/6/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
John “Bud” Cardos, a stuntman, animal wrangler and director of films including The Red, White and Black, Kingdom of the Spiders and The Dark, has died. He was 91.
Cardos died in his sleep Thursday at his home in Acton, California, where he had a horse ranch, fellow stuntman Gary Kent told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cardos was an actor and stuntman for director Al Adamson on such exploitation films as Blood of Dracula’s Castle (1969), Satan’s Sadists (1969), Five Bloody Graves (1969), The Female Bunch (1971), Black Samurai (1976) and Death Dimension (1978).
After Sam Peckinpah hired him to do stunts and serve as his second unit ...
Cardos died in his sleep Thursday at his home in Acton, California, where he had a horse ranch, fellow stuntman Gary Kent told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cardos was an actor and stuntman for director Al Adamson on such exploitation films as Blood of Dracula’s Castle (1969), Satan’s Sadists (1969), Five Bloody Graves (1969), The Female Bunch (1971), Black Samurai (1976) and Death Dimension (1978).
After Sam Peckinpah hired him to do stunts and serve as his second unit ...
John “Bud” Cardos, a stuntman, animal wrangler and director of films including The Red, White and Black, Kingdom of the Spiders and The Dark, has died. He was 91.
Cardos died in his sleep Thursday at his home in Acton, California, where he had a horse ranch, fellow stuntman Gary Kent told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cardos was an actor and stuntman for director Al Adamson on such exploitation films as Blood of Dracula’s Castle (1969), Satan’s Sadists (1969), Five Bloody Graves (1969), The Female Bunch (1971), Black Samurai (1976) and Death Dimension (1978).
After Sam Peckinpah hired him to do stunts and serve as his second unit ...
Cardos died in his sleep Thursday at his home in Acton, California, where he had a horse ranch, fellow stuntman Gary Kent told The Hollywood Reporter.
Cardos was an actor and stuntman for director Al Adamson on such exploitation films as Blood of Dracula’s Castle (1969), Satan’s Sadists (1969), Five Bloody Graves (1969), The Female Bunch (1971), Black Samurai (1976) and Death Dimension (1978).
After Sam Peckinpah hired him to do stunts and serve as his second unit ...
Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection
Blu ray
Severin Films
1965 – 1989 / 2841 min.
Starring Russ Tamblyn, Regina Carrol, Lon Chaney
Cinematography by Gary Graver, Vilmos Zsigmond, László Kovács
Directed by Al Adamson, David Gregory
The titles grab you by the collar like a desperate carny barker – Psycho A Go-Go, Blood of Ghastly Horror, Satan’s Sadists – then something for the raincoat crowd – Girls For Rent, Nurses For Sale, The Naughty Stewardesses. The rant turns political, incendiary: Black Heat, Mean Mother, Black Samurai. His last gasp – Cinderella 2000, Nurse Sherri, The Happy Hobo. The Happy Hobo?
Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection is an alarming new release from Severin Films presenting 32 of the director’s misbegotten “masterpieces” in beautifully restored transfers with enough added attractions to choke a horse. It’s the story of one man’s twenty year run in exploitation cinema that may be too exhausting for the casual viewer to contemplate. But...
Blu ray
Severin Films
1965 – 1989 / 2841 min.
Starring Russ Tamblyn, Regina Carrol, Lon Chaney
Cinematography by Gary Graver, Vilmos Zsigmond, László Kovács
Directed by Al Adamson, David Gregory
The titles grab you by the collar like a desperate carny barker – Psycho A Go-Go, Blood of Ghastly Horror, Satan’s Sadists – then something for the raincoat crowd – Girls For Rent, Nurses For Sale, The Naughty Stewardesses. The rant turns political, incendiary: Black Heat, Mean Mother, Black Samurai. His last gasp – Cinderella 2000, Nurse Sherri, The Happy Hobo. The Happy Hobo?
Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection is an alarming new release from Severin Films presenting 32 of the director’s misbegotten “masterpieces” in beautifully restored transfers with enough added attractions to choke a horse. It’s the story of one man’s twenty year run in exploitation cinema that may be too exhausting for the casual viewer to contemplate. But...
- 6/23/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Features: Al Adamson, Ken Adamson, Stevee Ashlock, Ewing ‘Lucky’ Brown, John ‘Bud’ Cardos, Greydon Clark, Robert Dix, Guadalupe Garcia, Gary Graver, Marilyn Joi, Gary Kent, Samuel M. Sherman, Russ Tamblyn, Zandor Vorkov, Vilmos Zsigmond | Written and Directed by David Gregory
Documentaries chronicling cinemas past are nothing new, but it seems that since the debut of Best Worst Movie there has been something of a renaissance for documentaries focusing on the fringes of cinema, focusing on genre fare that had a cult following – films like Not Quiet Hollywood, You’re So Cool Brewster, Machete Maidens Unleashed, and Wolfman’s Got Nards. And thanks to the success of those films and the huge growth in crowd-funding, the documentary genre itself has boomed, with both filmmakers and fans making movies on their favourite subject and documentaries on “cult” subjects now regularly playing the festival circuit, and finding a home in film fans collections,...
Documentaries chronicling cinemas past are nothing new, but it seems that since the debut of Best Worst Movie there has been something of a renaissance for documentaries focusing on the fringes of cinema, focusing on genre fare that had a cult following – films like Not Quiet Hollywood, You’re So Cool Brewster, Machete Maidens Unleashed, and Wolfman’s Got Nards. And thanks to the success of those films and the huge growth in crowd-funding, the documentary genre itself has boomed, with both filmmakers and fans making movies on their favourite subject and documentaries on “cult” subjects now regularly playing the festival circuit, and finding a home in film fans collections,...
- 6/1/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Starz has opted not to proceed with Family Crimes, its drama series project from Suicide Squad writer-director David Ayer, and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.
The pay cable network landed Ayer’s hot spec script in a competitive situation last November with a production commitment. While the project was not formally ordered to series, that was reportedly the intention at Starz, which is in the straight-to-series business. I hear Family Crimes already had a writers room up and running, with writers churning out scripts, and a casting director had been hired and working when Starz on Monday notified the producers of its decision not to move forward with the series, citing creative reasons. There had been some production planning done for the series but no formal production dates had been set yet. (Family Crimes had been eyeing a summer 2018 shoot.)
Written by Ayer, Family Crimes centers on a young privileged Latina who...
The pay cable network landed Ayer’s hot spec script in a competitive situation last November with a production commitment. While the project was not formally ordered to series, that was reportedly the intention at Starz, which is in the straight-to-series business. I hear Family Crimes already had a writers room up and running, with writers churning out scripts, and a casting director had been hired and working when Starz on Monday notified the producers of its decision not to move forward with the series, citing creative reasons. There had been some production planning done for the series but no formal production dates had been set yet. (Family Crimes had been eyeing a summer 2018 shoot.)
Written by Ayer, Family Crimes centers on a young privileged Latina who...
- 4/27/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
THR says the Black Samurai reboot being developed by Jerry Bruckheimer and RZA has tapped Common to join their team in resurrecting the franchise. The series is said to be an update of the original novels of the same name and the Blaxploitation film starring Jim Kelly.
For those who may be too young to remember the film, the story follows Army Ranger Robert Sand who's life is transformed when a Japanese master invites him to train as a samurai. Down the road, all of his friends and master are killed and Sand sets out to exact revenge on behalf of his fallen comrades. Starz notes that this updated series will be a mashup of the classic kung-fu genre mixed with the modern spy drama.
Sounds like exciting stuff assuming everything goes well and this show actually goes to series! Are you down to see Common kicking ass as Robert Sand?...
For those who may be too young to remember the film, the story follows Army Ranger Robert Sand who's life is transformed when a Japanese master invites him to train as a samurai. Down the road, all of his friends and master are killed and Sand sets out to exact revenge on behalf of his fallen comrades. Starz notes that this updated series will be a mashup of the classic kung-fu genre mixed with the modern spy drama.
Sounds like exciting stuff assuming everything goes well and this show actually goes to series! Are you down to see Common kicking ass as Robert Sand?...
- 8/23/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Black Samurai, Stranger Things, The Joker, And Other Film And TV News Black Samurai, Stranger Things, The Joker, and other films and TV shows have made recent production news. These productions come from studios based primarily in the United States. The production information within is subject to change. The Joker Warner Bros. is in the process of developing an [...]
Continue reading: Film & TV News: Black Samurai, Stranger Things, The Joker Origin Movie In The Works...
Continue reading: Film & TV News: Black Samurai, Stranger Things, The Joker Origin Movie In The Works...
- 8/23/2017
- by Reggie Peralta
- Film-Book
Starz announced today that they will be developing an action-drama TV series with the working title “Black samurai” which will star Oscar-winner Common (John Wick 2, Suicide Squad, Selma), in the title role of Robert Sand. Common will also executive produce under his Freedom Road Productions banner. Working alongside this project will be Jerry Bruckheimer Television, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA (Kill Bill 1 & 2, American Gangster, “Gang Related”) and Mitchell Diggs will also executive produce for Wu Films. More about the show below.
Based on the Black Samurai novel 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. After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.
As mentioned...
Based on the Black Samurai novel 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. After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.
As mentioned...
- 8/22/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Bayne)
- Cinelinx
The series is based on the novels by Marc Olden
The post Starz Developing Action Drama Black Samurai with Common and RZA appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
The post Starz Developing Action Drama Black Samurai with Common and RZA appeared first on ComingSoon.net.
- 8/22/2017
- by Spencer Perry
- Comingsoon.net
Common's next project will have him teaming up with rap royalty and a famed Hollywood producer. The musician-turned-actor is set to star in Black Samurai, a live-action series based on the novels by Marc Olden which is currently in development at Starz.
The story centers on Robert Sand (Common), a
...
Read More >...
The story centers on Robert Sand (Common), a
...
Read More >...
- 8/22/2017
- by Keisha Hatchett
- TVGuide - Breaking News
Now Marc Olden’s Black Samurai novels and Starz have something in Common: The rapper/actor will star in a new action-drama based on Olden’s books, the cabler announced Tuesday.
The nascent series — tentatively titled Black Samurai — will follow Robert Sand (played by 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,” per the official release. “After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.”
RelatedPower Season...
The nascent series — tentatively titled Black Samurai — will follow Robert Sand (played by 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,” per the official release. “After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.”
RelatedPower Season...
- 8/22/2017
- TVLine.com
Starz is developing an adaptation of the “Black Samurai” book series starring Common, with Jerry Bruckheimer and RZA executive producing. The action-drama project from Jerry Bruckheimer Television is based on the “Black Samurai” novels by author Marc Olden and follows Robert Sand (Common), an American Army Ranger who trains as a samurai before finding himself on a journey fueled by revenge. Bruckheimer will executive produce under his Freedom Road Productions banner. Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA and Mitchell Diggs are executive producing for Wu Films. Also Read: Will Feds Seize 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli's $2 Million Wu-Tang Clan CD? Also executive producing are Jonathan Littman,...
- 8/22/2017
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Wrap
Starz has nabbed for development action-drama series Black Samurai (working title), starring and executive produced by Common. Black Samurai hails from Jerry Bruckheimer Television as well as RZA’s Wu Films and Common’s Freedom Road Productions which originated the project a year ago. Based on the Black Samurai novels written by Marc Olden, the series is written by Cormac and Marianne Wibberley (National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys II) who are…...
- 8/22/2017
- Deadline TV
Exclusive: Lionsgate has commenced Highlander creator Gregory Widen to script Black Samurai, an action drama grounded in the historical tale of Yasuke, reputed to be the first black-skinned samurai to serve a warlord in Japan. Mike De Luca and Stephen L’Heureux are producing, and the film is a co-production between Solipsist Films and De Luca Productions. Yasuke lived in the mid-1500s, and history on his origins and exactly how he came to become a sword for a warlord…...
- 3/23/2017
- Deadline
Rapper and actor Common ("Hell on Wheels") has joined the cast of "The Black Samurai," a new TV series based on Marc Olden's 1970s book series and the 1977 Jim Kelly-led film adaptation.
Common will play Robert Sand, a man rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, he becomes a killing machine out to destroy the corrupt powers who took the lives of his friends.
RZA and Andre Gaines will executive produce the series which is currently seeking a network. After that, a writer and director will be hired.
Source: Variety...
Common will play Robert Sand, a man rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, he becomes a killing machine out to destroy the corrupt powers who took the lives of his friends.
RZA and Andre Gaines will executive produce the series which is currently seeking a network. After that, a writer and director will be hired.
Source: Variety...
- 6/18/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Variety is reporting that actor and musician Common is attached to Black Samurai, a television adaptation of a book series from the 70s. The TV project, currently in development, is based on Marc Olden’s 1974 book series, which inspired the 1977 film of the same name. Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is attached as an exec producer. “Black Samurai” follows the story of Robert Sand (played by Common) who is rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, Robert Sand becomes a killing machine, out to destroy the corrupt powers who had taken the lives of his friends. “Robert Sand...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 6/17/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Variety is reporting that actor and musician Common is attached to Black Samurai, a television adaptation of a book series from the 70s. The TV project, currently in development, is based on Marc Olden’s 1974 book series, which inspired the 1977 film of the same name. Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is attached as an exec producer. “Black Samurai” follows the story of Robert Sand (played by Common) who is rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, Robert Sand becomes a killing machine, out to destroy the corrupt powers who had taken the lives of his friends. “Robert Sand...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/17/2016
- Screen Anarchy
Marc Olden’s “Black Samurai” series of novels were written and published between 1974 and 1975. The franchise follows American GI Robert Sand, on leave in Tokyo, who is shot trying to protect an old man from a group of drunk American soldiers. What he… Continue Reading →...
- 6/17/2016
- by Tambay Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
A television adaptation of “Black Samurai” is in the works with Common set to star as Robert Sand, Variety confirms.
Based on Marc Olden’s 1974 book series, the story follows Robert after he is rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trains with him for seven years. After he suffers from racism in the military and his teacher is killed in front of him by terrorists, he sets out to seek revenge on the ones who took the lives of his friends.
Read More: Wilmer Valderrama Joins Cast of CBS’ ‘NCIS’
The series will be executive produced by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Wu Films’ Mitchell Diggs and Diane Crafford and Andre Gaines with his Cinemation banner.
“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,...
Based on Marc Olden’s 1974 book series, the story follows Robert after he is rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trains with him for seven years. After he suffers from racism in the military and his teacher is killed in front of him by terrorists, he sets out to seek revenge on the ones who took the lives of his friends.
Read More: Wilmer Valderrama Joins Cast of CBS’ ‘NCIS’
The series will be executive produced by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Wu Films’ Mitchell Diggs and Diane Crafford and Andre Gaines with his Cinemation banner.
“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,...
- 6/17/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Variety reports rapper/actor Common will be starring in the television adaptation of the '70s book-turned-movie Black Samurai. Check out a trailer for the original film and continue on below:
I'm not familiar with the source material, but I do know Jim Kelly was the man! Those will be big shoes to fill for Common, who on paper has the acting chops to pull it off. The series has yet to land a network, but apparently many are scrambling for the opportunity.
Black Samurai is a secret agent for D.R.A.G.O.N. and a badass one at that. It's hard to tell how they will execute it in the modern era, but I'm really digging the footage I just saw!
I think the show's success will be determined by whatever network lands it. I think it would be cool to see a period piece where it's...
I'm not familiar with the source material, but I do know Jim Kelly was the man! Those will be big shoes to fill for Common, who on paper has the acting chops to pull it off. The series has yet to land a network, but apparently many are scrambling for the opportunity.
Black Samurai is a secret agent for D.R.A.G.O.N. and a badass one at that. It's hard to tell how they will execute it in the modern era, but I'm really digging the footage I just saw!
I think the show's success will be determined by whatever network lands it. I think it would be cool to see a period piece where it's...
- 6/17/2016
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Common just found himself a rather un-common role. The rapper/actor will be playing Robert Sand in the TV version of Black Samurai, this according to Variety. The yet-unsold show is based on the 1974 book of the same title. In 1977, that book became the basis for the movie Black Samurai starring martial arts legend Jim Kelly in the role of Sand. In it, Sand is a secret agent for D.R.A.G.O.N. (Defense Reserve Agency Guardian Of Nations) and he kicks a lot of ass. According to Variety, show producer Andre Gaines described Sand as “like black Jason Bourne.” The program is being executive produced by Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, a well-known fan of the martial arts. The rapper recently produced The Man with the Iron Fists 2 and in 2005, he was Ep on Blood of a Champion. As for what network the show will air on,...
- 6/17/2016
- by David Eckstein
- Hitfix
Hip-hop artist Common is continuing his foray into the acting world as today we’ve learned that he’s signed up for a leading role in Black Samurai. Touted as a potential TV series, the project is still in the early stages of development but has already garnered significant interest. Wu Tang Clan’s RZA is attached as an executive producer, hoping to bring additional clout when the show gets shopped to networks.
As for its content, Black Samurai is said to take inspiration from Marc Olden’s 1974 book series that also served as source material for the 1977 film of the same name. Common will star as Robert Sand, a man “rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, Robert Sand becomes a killing machine, out...
As for its content, Black Samurai is said to take inspiration from Marc Olden’s 1974 book series that also served as source material for the 1977 film of the same name. Common will star as Robert Sand, a man “rescued by a Japanese samurai master and trained for seven years. After suffering from vicious racism in the military, and seeing his teacher and fellow samurai killed before his eyes by terrorists, Robert Sand becomes a killing machine, out...
- 6/17/2016
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
Strange Behavior. What an apt title for this film. Released in 1981, Aka Dead Kids, Strange Behavior is a unique mash up of a popular (at the time) sub-genre and one long forgotten – the Slasher and The Mad Scientist. For fans of either, it provides a weird, loving tribute to the latter while quietly etching a place for itself in the former. A lot of horror lovers missed the boat on this one at the time of its release, which is strange behavior, indeed.
Given a limited release in October by World Northal stateside, Strange Behavior impressed many critics at the time with its ethereal quality and 50’s throwback feel, but audiences really never got a chance to see it until released on video the following year. And even then, it never picked up steam with the horror crowd. Which is quite sad, as the film still plays as a creepy,...
Given a limited release in October by World Northal stateside, Strange Behavior impressed many critics at the time with its ethereal quality and 50’s throwback feel, but audiences really never got a chance to see it until released on video the following year. And even then, it never picked up steam with the horror crowd. Which is quite sad, as the film still plays as a creepy,...
- 10/10/2015
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Top 10 Aliya Whiteley 20 Aug 2013 - 06:55
Zoinks! Aliya provides a rundown of 10 enjoyable Scooby-Doo animated movies. Scrappy isn't invited...
For a Great Dane, Scooby-Doo has had an impressive innings. He’s now 44 years old, and has been through a number of mediums: TV series, videogames, stage plays, and many movies. In all that time the Us version of Scooby has been voiced by only five actors (the original actor, Don Messick, played him from 1969 to 1994), and there remains something so familiar and reassuring about Scooby, even as the storylines and the entanglements of the Scooby gang change around him. Nowadays in Mystery Incorporated Velma may be on/off dating Shaggy, and Fred and Daphne may be having problems with their relationship, but Scooby remains as cowardly and hungry as ever.
The big screen movie escapade of Scooby-Doo (2002) involved Sarah Michelle Gellar as a black-belted Daphne and Rowan Atkinson as the main (okay,...
Zoinks! Aliya provides a rundown of 10 enjoyable Scooby-Doo animated movies. Scrappy isn't invited...
For a Great Dane, Scooby-Doo has had an impressive innings. He’s now 44 years old, and has been through a number of mediums: TV series, videogames, stage plays, and many movies. In all that time the Us version of Scooby has been voiced by only five actors (the original actor, Don Messick, played him from 1969 to 1994), and there remains something so familiar and reassuring about Scooby, even as the storylines and the entanglements of the Scooby gang change around him. Nowadays in Mystery Incorporated Velma may be on/off dating Shaggy, and Fred and Daphne may be having problems with their relationship, but Scooby remains as cowardly and hungry as ever.
The big screen movie escapade of Scooby-Doo (2002) involved Sarah Michelle Gellar as a black-belted Daphne and Rowan Atkinson as the main (okay,...
- 8/19/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
It’s been damn near a decade since the planet was last graced with a proper Shin Megami Tensei title. Granted, I admit to never having picked up any of the previous titles, something that I wore as a badge of shame around some of my friends and coworkers. They would tell me things like, “Chaz, you love RPGs, how is it possible you’ve never played one of the best ones ever created?” and, “How did you get back in my apartment? I changed the locks!”, but I never quite took them seriously. Now that I’ve finally sat down with Shin Megami Tensei IV, I have to admit that I was wrong in my reservations to play this series. This is one of the best RPGs that I’ve played in years.
Shin Megami Tensei IV starts you off in the fictional kingdom of Mikado during the year’s most important ceremony.
Shin Megami Tensei IV starts you off in the fictional kingdom of Mikado during the year’s most important ceremony.
- 7/17/2013
- by Chaz Neeler
- We Got This Covered
Karate ace and actor, who starred in the martial arts hit opposite Bruce Lee, had been suffering from cancer
The martial artist and actor Jim Kelly, best known for his nonchalant turn in the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon, has died at the age of 67.
After making a name for himself on the karate circuit by winning four tournaments in 1971, Kelly was picked to star in the martial arts classic two years later. He plays the arrogant, insouciant Williams, who competes alongside Lee in a sinister competition organised by the mysterious Mr Han on a James Bond-style island. Kelly's impressive afro, sideburns and good looks made him the perfect choice for a film shot at the height of blaxploitation.
Kelly has since become a huge cult figure, though his acting career never quite took off despite a good deal of success in similar 1970s fare. Appearances in films such as Black Belt Jones,...
The martial artist and actor Jim Kelly, best known for his nonchalant turn in the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon, has died at the age of 67.
After making a name for himself on the karate circuit by winning four tournaments in 1971, Kelly was picked to star in the martial arts classic two years later. He plays the arrogant, insouciant Williams, who competes alongside Lee in a sinister competition organised by the mysterious Mr Han on a James Bond-style island. Kelly's impressive afro, sideburns and good looks made him the perfect choice for a film shot at the height of blaxploitation.
Kelly has since become a huge cult figure, though his acting career never quite took off despite a good deal of success in similar 1970s fare. Appearances in films such as Black Belt Jones,...
- 7/1/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Jim Kelly, the charismatic martial arts star who co-starred with Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, has died from cancer at age 67. Kelly had a loyal following of fans that extended to recent years and he was a popular fixture at autograph shows. His other action flicks include Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai, all of which capitalized on the "Blaxploitation" films of the 1970s. For more click here ...
- 7/1/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
After a battle with cancer, actor and martial artist Jim Kelly passed away this past Saturday at age 67. Born in 1946, Kelly was a college football player before he dropped out to study karate. In 1973, he co-starred alongside Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, which he called “one of the best experiences in [his] life.” As a result of the popularity of that film and his role in it, Kelly began getting starring roles in Blaxploitation films like Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai. By the eighties, he appeared in movies more sparingly. Still, many years later, he remained a draw for autograph seekers at comic book conventions.
- 7/1/2013
- by Jesse David Fox
- Vulture
So sad. Jim Kelly died on June 29 from cancer, his former wife Marilyn Dishman tells CNN.
Jim Kelly, who managed to transform his martial arts skills into a successful movie career, died on Saturday, June 29, at 67. Jim’s former wife Marilyn Dishman told CNN he died of cancer, but did not give any details.
Jim Kelly Dead — ‘Enter The Dragon’ Actor Dies At 67
“It is with sadness and regret that we must announce the passing of a great man and legend Jim Kelly. He will be deeply missed by all. Jim had great love for his family, friends, tennis and martial arts. We are devastated by Jim’s passing but through faith and support from family, friends and fans-we are comforted, blessed and will remain strong. He was survived by his lifetime partner of 33 years and wife,” a statement reads on Jim’s Facebook page. It was posted on June...
Jim Kelly, who managed to transform his martial arts skills into a successful movie career, died on Saturday, June 29, at 67. Jim’s former wife Marilyn Dishman told CNN he died of cancer, but did not give any details.
Jim Kelly Dead — ‘Enter The Dragon’ Actor Dies At 67
“It is with sadness and regret that we must announce the passing of a great man and legend Jim Kelly. He will be deeply missed by all. Jim had great love for his family, friends, tennis and martial arts. We are devastated by Jim’s passing but through faith and support from family, friends and fans-we are comforted, blessed and will remain strong. He was survived by his lifetime partner of 33 years and wife,” a statement reads on Jim’s Facebook page. It was posted on June...
- 7/1/2013
- by Christopher Rogers
- HollywoodLife
Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in 1973's Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67. Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego. Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the martial-arts classic. His later films included Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai. During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate.
- 7/1/2013
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
R.I.P., Jim Kelly. The actor and martial arts expert, best known for his role Bruce Lee's 1973 classic Enter the Dragon, died over the weekend at age 67. Following a cancer battle, the star passed away on Saturday, June 29 at home in San Diego, his ex-wife Marilyn Dishman told the Asssociated Press. The African-American star went on to appear in later martial arts action flicks including Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones and Black Samurai; his acting career had wained by the the 1980s, but [...]...
- 7/1/2013
- Us Weekly
San Diego — Actor Jim Kelly, who played a glib American martial artist in "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee, has died. He was 67.
Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego.
Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the 1973 martial arts classic. His later films included "Three the Hard Way," "Black Belt Jones" and "Black Samurai."
During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate. He said he set his sights on becoming an actor after winning karate tournaments. He also played college football.
The role in the Bruce Lee film was his second. He had about a dozen film roles in the 1970s before his acting work tapered off. In recent years,...
Marilyn Dishman, Kelly's ex-wife, said he died Saturday of cancer at his home in San Diego.
Sporting an Afro hairstyle and sideburns, Kelly made a splash with his one-liners and fight scenes in the 1973 martial arts classic. His later films included "Three the Hard Way," "Black Belt Jones" and "Black Samurai."
During a 2010 interview with salon.com, Kelly said he started studying martial arts in 1964 in Kentucky and later moved to California where he earned a black belt in karate. He said he set his sights on becoming an actor after winning karate tournaments. He also played college football.
The role in the Bruce Lee film was his second. He had about a dozen film roles in the 1970s before his acting work tapered off. In recent years,...
- 7/1/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Jim Kelly, an International Karate champion and Bruce Lee's co-star in the seminal martial arts flick Enter the Dragon, died yesterday. Though there has been no official report of his death and the circumstances surrounding it have not been released, the announcement came via a post by his ex-wife, Marilyn Dishman, on her Facebook page. He was 67 years old. Kelly rose to stardom when he appeared alongside Bruce Lee and John Saxon in the 1973 Warner Bros. martial arts film. From there he went on to star in a handful of blaxploitation films, such as Three the Hard Way, Black Belt Jones, and Black Samurai. He seldom worked in film after the early 80s and went on to become a professional tennis coach in Southern California. Though his appearances in film...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 7/1/2013
- Screen Anarchy
“Ghettos are the same all over the world. They stink!”
We’ve lost a true movie bad-ass. I can remember staying at my grandmother’s house in Greenville, South Carolina in 1975 when I was 13 and walking to an ‘urban’ movie theater a mile or so away. They were showing something called The Black Samurai. It was rated R but they sold me a ticket anyway. I excitedly took my seat and, as the only Caucasian in the audience, enjoyed my one and only big-screen Blaxploitation experience back in that genre’s heyday. I shared this story with the film’s star Jim Kelly, when I met him at Cinema Wasteland a couple of years ago and not only did he get a kick out of it, he knew exactly which theater I was referring to – The Plaza, having made an appearance there a couple of years earlier to promote Black Belt Jones.
We’ve lost a true movie bad-ass. I can remember staying at my grandmother’s house in Greenville, South Carolina in 1975 when I was 13 and walking to an ‘urban’ movie theater a mile or so away. They were showing something called The Black Samurai. It was rated R but they sold me a ticket anyway. I excitedly took my seat and, as the only Caucasian in the audience, enjoyed my one and only big-screen Blaxploitation experience back in that genre’s heyday. I shared this story with the film’s star Jim Kelly, when I met him at Cinema Wasteland a couple of years ago and not only did he get a kick out of it, he knew exactly which theater I was referring to – The Plaza, having made an appearance there a couple of years earlier to promote Black Belt Jones.
- 6/30/2013
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Directed by: Al Adamson
Written by: Mark Weston and Bob Levine, from an original story by Elvin Feltner
Cast: Don Stewart, Jennifer Houlton, Howard Segal, Kegina Carrol, Joe Cirillo, Mark Weston.
Hurry, hurry, step right up! The carnival is back and now at a video store near you!!
Considered lost for years, a clean print of the family film Carnival Magic was discovered in 2009. Restored and re-mastered in 2010, the film was shown Turner Movie Classic and screened by The Alamo Drafthouse during the Cinemapocalypse Tour. The exposure generated a minor cult following for the film, and a DVD/Blu Ray combo pack of this so-called rediscovered classic. But such praise feels a little far reaching, as the film suffers from a lazy script and pacing problems.
The film takes place at a traveling carnival down south. The owner, Stoney, is barely paying the bills and feels certain he'll close down...
Written by: Mark Weston and Bob Levine, from an original story by Elvin Feltner
Cast: Don Stewart, Jennifer Houlton, Howard Segal, Kegina Carrol, Joe Cirillo, Mark Weston.
Hurry, hurry, step right up! The carnival is back and now at a video store near you!!
Considered lost for years, a clean print of the family film Carnival Magic was discovered in 2009. Restored and re-mastered in 2010, the film was shown Turner Movie Classic and screened by The Alamo Drafthouse during the Cinemapocalypse Tour. The exposure generated a minor cult following for the film, and a DVD/Blu Ray combo pack of this so-called rediscovered classic. But such praise feels a little far reaching, as the film suffers from a lazy script and pacing problems.
The film takes place at a traveling carnival down south. The owner, Stoney, is barely paying the bills and feels certain he'll close down...
- 7/7/2011
- by Chris McMillan
- Planet Fury
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