Common will star in a TV adaptation of Black Samurai.
He won the Oscar in 2015, along with John Legend, for “Glory” from Selma.
Producers are currently shopping the project. Once a network is attached, the search for a writer and director will begin. With Common attached to star, the hot project is already garnering much interest.
Producer Andre Gaines got the rights to the book, and is exec producing the potential series, marking the first television show to be developed under 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,” said Gaines. “With ‘John Wick 2’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ coming up, Common was an obvious choice for the role, and I’m thrilled to have him on board. I believe he’s the next great American actor.”
Along with Gaines and RZA, Wu Films’ Mitchell Diggs and Diane Crafford are also exec producing.
“I could not be more pleased that such incredible talent is attached to Marc’s work,” said Crafford. “This series has always been one of my favorites and Robert Sand, the Black Samurai, is a fascinating character who I can’t wait to see brought to life on the screen.”
Gaines commented, “There is a long tradition and storied relationship between hip-hop and martial arts. Having RZA and the WuTang brand on board to executive produce will validate the series even more and mobilize the fans.”
This is the latest project based on Olden’s work, following Poe Must Die, which is being developed as a film trilogy by Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures.
Aside from Suicide Squad and John Wick 2, Common’s acting career is booming. He was recently seen in the latest “Barbershop” flick and NBC’s “The Wiz Live” musical.
He won the Oscar in 2015, along with John Legend, for “Glory” from Selma.