Wu-Tang Clan co-founder RZA (real name: Robert Diggs) is what you might call a martial arts nut, steeping himself in the movies and the moves from an early age. And his links with Eli Roth and Quentin Tarantino have now led to him finally getting his own crack at a film: The Man With The Iron Fists.
According to Deadline, Universal has locked in a deal with the rapper to direct the fight film, which he co-wrote with Roth. The story follows a blacksmith (RZA himself) who makes weapons for a village in feudal China whose inhabitants are forced to defend themselves.
It’s been brewingin RZA’s noggin for some time, but apparently he had to prove himself first… "He went to the set of Kill Bill, and got a master directing course from Quentin," says Roth. "While I was away shooting Inglourious Basterds, RZA went to China to shoot test footage on his own, with all the choreography. It was very visual and I think he will bring to life a script that mixes kung fu with a spaghetti Western mindset and a hip hop influence.”
Could be a lot of fun, though it certainly sounds ambitious for a first-time director. He’ll have to prove himself anew when shooting starts in Hong Kong this September.