RZA Signs on for Afro Samurai

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.