The Black Samurai TV series — based on the 1970s book series by Marc Olden, which inspired the Jim Kelly-starring 1977 film — just got a huge boost by finding its leading man: musician-turned-actor Common (Suicide Squad, Hell on Wheels).
Image: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx
It sounds highly promising, according to the Variety description:
“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.
Black Samurai boasts the RZA among its executive producers, along with Andre Gaines, who likens the character to “black Jason Bourne” and says the story is fun while “tackling some serious subjects around race and diversity.” The project is still looking for a network, after which a writer and director will be hired.