‘Black Samurai’ Series in the Works Starring Common

Common stars in Black Samurai
Common stars in Black Samurai (Photo Courtesy of Starz)

Common is set to star in and executive produce the action drama, Black Samurai. The series is a Starz, Jerry Bruckheimer Television, and RZA’s Wu Films production and is based on the novels and 1977 feature film. Cormac and Marianne Wibberley are attached as showrunners and will write the show’s pilot. Bruckheimer, RZA, Mitchell Diggs, Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, Derek Dudley, Shelby Stone, Diane Crafford, and Andre Gaines are executive producing.

According to Starz, the updated story 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, creating a modern-day international action star.”

“I’m beyond excited about Black Samurai. This is a unique and special project that offers something rarely seen in art and culture today,” said Common. “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!”

“We cannot wait for the world to meet Robert Sand – part Jason Bourne, part James Bond, and 100% 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,” stated Carmi Zlotnik, Starz’ President of Programming.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Starz, Common, RZA and Andre Gaines on Black Samurai,” added 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.”

The Plot: 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. After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.