or


[08/22/17 - 10:00 AM]
Starz Developing a Series Under the Working Title "Black Samurai" with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, RZA's Wu Films, Starring Academy Award(R) Winner Common
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.

[via press release from Starz]

STARZ DEVELOPING A SERIES UNDER THE WORKING TITLE "BLACK SAMURAI" WITH JERRY BRUCKHEIMER TELEVISION, RZA'S WU FILMS, STARRING ACADEMY AWARD(R) WINNER COMMON

Beverly Hills, Calif. - August 22, 2017 - Starz announced today it is developing the action-drama series under the working title "Black Samurai" with Jerry Bruckheimer Television starring Academy Award(R) winner Common (John Wick 2, Suicide Squad, Selma), who will also executive produce under his Freedom Road Productions banner. Wu-Tang Clan's RZA (Kill Bill 1 & 2, American Gangster, "Gang Related") 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. After his beloved sensei and samurai brothers are killed by mercenaries, Sand is thrust on a worldwide journey of both revenge and self-discovery.

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, creating a modern-day international action star.

"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," said Carmi Zlotnik, president of programming for Starz.

"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.' 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!"

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 art 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."

Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, "The Amazing Race," "CSI" television series franchise, Black Hawk Down, National Treasure, Top Gun) will executive produce alongside Jonathan Littman ("The Amazing Race," "Lucifer," "CSI"); KristieAnne Reed ("Lucifer"); Freedom Road's Derek Dudley (The Chi, Meet the Blacks, America Divided, Two Trains Runnin') and Shelby Stone (The Chi, Lackawanna Blues, Bessie, "Single Ladies"); Diane Crafford; and Andre Gaines of Cinemation (Brazilian Western, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Bill Nye: Science Guy). James Oh of Jerry Bruckheimer Television will produce.

Showrunners Cormac and Marianne Wibberley (National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys II,) are also writing the pilot script.

Vice President of Original Programming Patrick McDonald is the Starz executive in charge of "Black Samurai." Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

Bruckheimer, Common, Littman and Wu Films are repped by CAA. Gaines is repped by Ethan Cohan, Todd Weinstein and Gordon Bobb at Del, Shaw, Moonves, Tanaka, Finkelstein and Lezcano. The Wibberleys are repped at UTA.

About Starz

Starz (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), is a leading global media and entertainment company that provides premium subscription video programming on domestic U.S. pay television networks and produces and distributes content for worldwide audiences, including its investment in the STARZ PLAY Arabia OTT service. Starz is home to the flagship STARZ(R) brand and STARZ ENCORE channels and provides high-quality, entertaining premium subscription video programming with 17 premium pay TV channels and associated on-demand and online services, including the STARZ app. Sold through U.S. multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, telecommunications companies, and other online and digital platforms, Starz offers subscribers more than 5,000 distinct premium television episodes and feature films every year and up to 1,500 every month, including STARZ Original series, first-run movies and other popular movie and television programming.





  [august 2017]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
  


· BLACK SAMURAI (STARZ)





[07/07/25 - 02:01 PM]
"Alice in Borderland" Season 3 Premieres September 25
Once again directed by Shinsuke Sato, Season 3 stars Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, along with an exciting lineup of new and returning actors.

[07/07/25 - 11:15 AM]
John Slattery, Jessica Henwick, Ellen Robertson and More Join Netflix's "Vladimir"
Kayli Carter, Miriam Silverman, Mallori Johnson, Matt Walsh, Tattiawna Jones and Louise Lambert will also recur on the series.

[07/07/25 - 11:09 AM]
2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby Exclusively on ESPN Platforms July 14
Karl Ravech will return for his 9th year to call the action, alongside analysts Eduardo Pérez and Todd Frazier and reporters Buster Olney and Alden González.

[07/07/25 - 10:31 AM]
Tubi to Launch AMC Studios' Sci-Fi Comedy Series "Demascus" as a Tubi Original
The six episode half-hour comedic sci-fi series follows Demascus (Okieriete Onaodowan), a Black man who goes on a journey of self-discovery using an experimental reality-bending technology.

[07/07/25 - 10:17 AM]
"LEGO Masters Jr." with Host Kelly Osbourne to Air Over Four Weeks Beginning Monday, August 18 at 8/7c on FOX
Hosted by television personality Kelly Osbourne, the series features celebrity contestants including Ravi V. Patel, Andy Richter, Jordin Sparks, Alison Sweeney and Porsha Williams.

[07/07/25 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "My Life With the Walter Boys" Season 2 - Official Teaser - Netflix
Hoping for a fresh start in Silver Falls, Jackie discovers second chances aren't guaranteed when unresolved feelings and small-town tensions resurface.

[07/07/25 - 08:02 AM]
Nickelodeon Sets Launch for "Tim Rex in Space," Brand-New Animated Preschool Series, on Monday, Aug. 4
The series follows a Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) named Tim, his big brother Tommy, little sister Tia, and triceratops bestie Kai, as they tackle kid-shaped adventures with dino-sized solutions in space.

[07/07/25 - 05:01 AM]
Video: "The Sandman" Season 2 - Volume 2 Official Teaser - Netflix
When the Kindly Ones turn a sorrow-stricken mother into a vessel of vengeance, their combined power puts Lord Morpheus' realm - and life - in jeopardy.

[07/07/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "She Said Maybe" - Official Teaser - Netflix
From Hamburg to Istanbul. One journey, two worlds, and a decision that changes everything.

[07/06/25 - 10:31 PM]
Video: "Vir Das: Fool Volume" - Official Trailer - Stand-Up Comedy Special - Netflix
Vir Das is back to make you laugh, think, and feel all the feels with his brand new special.

[07/05/25 - 02:11 PM]
Yeeee-haw! "My Life with the Walter Boys" Season 2 Premieres August 28
Netflix confirmed the news on social media this afternoon.

[07/05/25 - 01:31 PM]
From Action-Packed Adventures to Chilling Supernatural Tales: Netflix Invites Viewers to Discover Their Next Favorite Anime
In addition to debuts for "BEASTARS" Final Season, "Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2," "Record of Ragnarok III" and "My Melody & Kuromi," Netflix offered sneak peeks at "The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity," "The Summer Hikaru Died" and "SAKAMOTO DAYS," with new episodes launching weekly beginning July 14.

[07/05/25 - 01:01 PM]
First Look at "Reasonable Doubt" Season 3 Premiering September 18 on Hulu
Jax is coming in red hot.

[07/04/25 - 03:31 PM]
Video: Tyler Perry's "Miss Governor" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Tyler Perry's comedy series "She The People" starring Terri J. Vaughn returns with all the laughs and a new name.

[07/04/25 - 02:31 PM]
Video: Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" Season 2 - Official Teaser - Netflix
As she takes the reins of the Bellarie empire, Kimmie confronts a vicious family power struggle, where betrayal, greed and danger lurk at every turn.