Big news, whether good or bad, for fans of Afro Samurai today as a newly emerging production and distribution company (The Indomnia Group) released information on a team-up with Samuel L. Jackson and Gonzo Studios for a live action production of Afro Samurai. Whilst specifics are as yet unclear, it is stated that a writer and director will be allocated this summer, with the cast fully assembled by the end of the year, ready to begin shooting in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2012.
Samuel L. Jackson commented on the project…
“This has been one of my very favorite properties ever since our amazing debut at Comic Con with the original series pilot out of Japan. I can’t wait to produce the epic feature film version with our new partners at The Indomina Group.”
In contrast, the opposite reaction could likely erupt by fans. After the backlash of negative opinions in the wake of other anime to live action adaptations, namely Cowboy Bebop and Akira, it has emerged that moves like this to cross-over titles into the live action realm strike poorly with the very fanbase they are aiming at. However, Indomnia state that this feature will be “targeted to a fanboy audience”, pre-emptively pouring cool water over a potential fire.
Afro Samurai started out as Takashi Okazaki’s serial manga in the fall of 1999, blending together his love of American culture such as soul and hip-hop, with that of the history, fantasy and folklore of a culture more close to home. However, it wasn’t until January 2007 that it garnered global attention when the anime studio Gonzo developed it into a 5 part TV series. Following a plot line of revenge, audiences were greeted with some of the most stylistic ultra-violence ever committed to animation. The titular Afro sets out to avenge the death of his father against the gunslinger Justice. Although the plot has been tested more times than Afro’s skill, the sheer style, tone and visceral nature of the show made it an instant classic amongst fans. Backed by an all-star cast of voice-overs AND an original score and soundtrack produced by RZA himself, who assembled hip-hop heavyweights including Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, Big Daddy Kane, GZA and more to feature on the tracks. This was followed with an Emmy nominated TV movie, Resurrection in 2009.
artwork: http://www.slybeaver.com/
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