My first big panel at this year’s NYC Comic-Con was famed Japanese director Takashi Miike’s world premiere of his new film Yatterman, adapted from the popular Japanese cartoon series from the 70’s.
While the footage for Yatterman had me reliving my worst Speed Racer flashbacks (shudder), it was during the Q&A session after the screening that I was able to mine for the real gold: Takashi Miike told me first-hand (well, via translator), in no uncertain terms, that given the opportunity he would love to make a live-action Afro Samurai film aimed at U.S. audiences.
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The subject of Afro Samurai came up during the Q&A when Miike was asked what animated influences led him to make Yatterman, his biggest-budget project to date and a far departure from his B-movie horror/comedy origins like Ichi The Killer. Miike said that 70’s anime like Yatterman, Speed Racer, and Dragonball had all been huge influences on him personally. He then added that American comic books and animated films had had their own impact on him. One of his favorite recent pieces of American animation: Afro Samurai.
Takashi Miike expresses his heart’s desire: To make an Afro Samurai movie.
When given the chance to ask Mr. Miike a question, I followed up on his mention of Afro Samurai (a favorite of mine as well) and asked if he would ever consider making a live-action Afro Samurai for U.S. audiences if offered the chance. Mr. Miike’s response was clear:
“Of course I would,” Miike said, “If that [offer] ever happens, I’m counting on you to help out.”
Well consider this your helping hand, Mr. Miike.
Fans of Afro Samurai have been clamoring for a film adaptation ever since the series wrapped its first volume in 2007. The voice of Afro Samurai, Sam L. Jackson, has already echoed that desire to adapt the series for the cinema, and big-name entertainers like Outkast’s Andre 3000 have even expressed interest in starring as the Samurai with the soul-brotha hairdo. Could we be seeing the parts of a puzzle beginning to fit together?
Afro Samurai will have its second installment premiering this weekend at the NYC Comic Con; there is also a popular video game based on the series currently in stores. So you expect to hear some renewed buzz about the series in the coming months. In the meantime, Hollywood needs to take a hint and get Takashi Miike, Samuel L. Jackson and Andre 3000 in a room. Afro Samurai needs to be on the big screen.
What do you think? Is Takashi Miike the kind of director you would like to see helm an Afro Samurai movie? Hit us back and let us know.
Source: NYC Comic Con
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9 Comments
NICE!
Great job, Kofi!
Jamie.
you know i was interested in this until i read the part about it being live action.
I am not familiar with Afro Samurai other than having heard of it but let me tell you right now…I will see ANYTHING that Miike directs (or writes etc etc).
After seeing Ichi The Killer I was just blown away with his uniqueness and willingness to go the extra mile. I then went on to seek out anything and everything of his that I could find – Audition, Gozu, Visitor Q, Dead or Alive, The Happyness of the Katakuris and just recently Sukiyaki Western Django…all just bat-shit crazy and fantastic examples of rare extremity in modern cinema.
Sorry Kofi if I read your post wrong but did you say you saw the screening of Yatterman? If so was it as awesome as it looks?
I’d love to see this film directed by Miike.
Yeah Ross, Yatterman will impress those who like that stuff. It was too Speed Racer for me (the Wachowski version)
Vic if you have not seen it check out Zebraman instead. Terrific Mike movie parody of all those sat morning Japanese live action hero shows.
Also loved Yakuza Demon!!!! Bad ass cinema from Mike. Thought Crows Zero was alright but a bit over rated considering the hype. Loved Western Django (The overseas DVD with full cut not the edited down US version)
Actually didn’t much like Ichi, thought it was too nihlistic and inhumane for my tastes.
Hate Afro Samurai and just about anything else Samuel L. Hype is in these days. Besides he’s in his mid 60’s I believe. Hard time buying him as a young ronin. I’d much rather see Mike direct a modern Kurosawa-esque samurai film. He really does have the artistic chops, everything doesn’t have to be some sort of Japanese-MTVish snuff film
He would be an inspired choice but the one man they should be looking at to do this right (mood/music/swordplay and heart) is Takeshi Kitano – check out his version of Zatoichi – it’ll make you a beliver.
And I love Andre 3000’s music but be doesn’t look like he could scrap his way out of a wet paper bag. I’d rather an actor who can hold his own than a hip hop artist just to the studio can pimp their name.
As far as Sam Jackson, I’d like to see him exec produce/ co-write the script and play Afro’s father Rocutaro. I think we need fresh blood for the role of Afro. I think Chris Tucker would nail Ninja Ninja.
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