By “The Color Purple” and “The Burial of Kojo” helmer Blitz Bazawule will direct the historical drama “Black Samurai” which Warner Bros. Pictures won in a bidding war against three other studios.
Ghanaian filmmaker Bazawule wrote the film on spec and will also produce the movie through his Inward Gaze production label.
The film will follow the legendary Yasuke, an African warrior who became the first Black samurai and served under Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period of samurai conflict in 16th century Japan.
The film won’t be a “traditional biopic,” rather it’s set to be an adrenalin-fueled action feature with “300” and “Mad Max” evoked for comparison. Specifics of the plot are under wraps.
Bazawule is still developing a limited series for FX based on his debut novel “The Scent of Burnt Flowers” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is attached to star and executive produce that.
Warners co-chief Michael De Luca was previously attached to produce a Yasuke film several years ago that would’ve starred the late Chadwick Boseman.
The project isn’t to be confused with the Netflix film adaptation of Marc Olden’s Black Samurai novels which previously had Chad Stahelski linked as a potential director.
Source: Variety
The post “Purple” Helmer Set For Black Samurai Film appeared first on Dark Horizons.
