Common Lands Role in Wu-Tang’s RZA Directed TV Series

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The Chicago born emcee has a new project playing a character described as the “black Jason Bourne”.

Variety reports that Common will play Robert Sand, a man who was trained by a Japanese samurai master following a painful stint in the US military, is out for revenge.

“Robert Sand is like black Jason Bourne. Black Samurai is one of the most unique, timely and fun experiences I’ve ever read, while at the same time tackling some serious subjects around race and diversity,” said producer Andre Gaines, who landed the rights for the book and is executive producer of the series alongside Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA.

The show is currently waiting for a network to show interest, something that is reportedly being helped by Common being attached to the show given his upcoming performances in John Wick 2 and Suicide Squad. “With ‘John Wick 2’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ coming up, Common was an obvious choice for the role, and I’m thrilled to have him on board. I believe he’s the next great American actor,” said Gaines.

If you can imagine a martial arts aficionado like RZA producing, alongside Wu Films’ Mitchell Diggs and Diane Crafford, Black Samurai looks likely to be a hit.

The Windy city emcee has starred in American Gangster and won an Oscar along with John Legend for the song Glory in Selma.