Actor Samuel L. Jackson is looking to bring the animated series Afro Samurai to the big screen.
According to BET.com, Oscar-nominated Jackson and Gonzo studios are set to produce a live-action film based on the popular cartoon, which has spawned “an impressive franchise and a global following.”
Afro Samurai is a Japanese series written, illustrated and inspired by Takashi Okazaki, whose love of soul, hip hop music and American media lead him to create the series that follows the life of a Black Samurai.
As a child the Black Samurai witnessed the murder of his father at the hands of a gunslinger named Justice. Now an adult, the “Afro Samurai” sets off to avenge his father’s death and kill Justice.
The program has been adapted into a five-episode TV series and later a tv movie sequel, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, in 2009. Two successful soundtracks and a video game were also developed.
Jackson has provided Afro’s voice for the series and TV movie, and has also acted as an executive producer.
