FUNimation and Gonzo Productions, recently
announced that Samuel Jackson will provide voice-over for the lead
character in Afro Samurai. The show is considered a “stylish series that crosses
cultural boundaries as a fusion of animated samurai acion and hip-hop
culture”, which may be Samurai Champloo to many, the show
added RZA, who’s scored material
for, Kill Bill Vol 1, Ghost Dog, Soul Plane, Unleashed,
Transporter 2, Blade:Trinity and in 2006, Blood of a Champion and this project for TV.
The story follows a black samurai, in a semi futuristic Japan, who is on a
mission to avenge the wrongful death of his father. He is a warrior who
travels in solitude, encountering many enemies, friends and challenges along
the way.
RZA says, “As a fan of martial
art and old Japanese Samurai movies, I have always wanted to be a part of such
creativity and to have my own spice added is even better … The vibe of Afro
Samurai is so soulful and cool, that when I was asked to compose the series my
creative juices immediately reacted. I felt it was something for me to do,”
RZA says. The animated series will premiere on Spike TV this fall.
FUNimation Entertainment will bring the story to DVD in spring
2007.
The story is based on the epic graphic novel by, Takashi
Okazaki, the material is also being fleshed out into action figures and
clothing garlore. The Academy Award-nominated actor Samuel L.
Jackson, stars as the hero.
“Having RZA create the music for
Afro Samurai is ideal. His passion for hip-hop, anime, and samurai culture, and
his renowned expertise of scoring music to great stories are second to none,”
said Eric Calderon, vice-president of creative affairs at GDH K.K.
“Combining this with our incredible high quality animation will give
Afro Samurai a mix that no one has ever seen and heard together in one
entertainment experience. This is simply going to change everything that we
know about the possibilities of the animated medium for TV.”
Look out for the new show coming this fall on Spike TV, and check out http://www.afrosamurai.com/
for more details.