By Chris Richburg
Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon will receive an upgrade from Samuel L. Jackson and Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer RZA.
Jackson is preparing to star in a remake of the 1985 cult classic.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the entertainer will play “Sho'nuff, the Shogun of Harlem,” a role played by the late Julius Carry in the original film.
For Jackson, the chance to portray the iconic villain was too good to pass up.
"I'm a huge fan of the original and look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century," he said.
Released in March 1985, the original version of The Last Dragon starred Taimak as Leroy Green, a martial arts student and avid fan of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.
In addition to Carry and Taimak the film’s supporting cast included Carl Anthony Payne II, William H. Macy, Keisha Knight-Pulliam and then-Prince protégé Vanity as Leroy’s love interest, TV music video host Laura Charles.
Although critics panned The Last Dragon, it went on to gross nearly $26 million at the box office and has become a cult classic among movie watchers.
The film’s soundtrack featured the hit DeBarge song “Rhythm of the Night” as well.
The Last Dragon also influenced various rappers as Busta Rhymes, Nas, WC, Lupe Fiasco and Fabolous reference it in songs and music videos.
The new version of the film will follow the original, as it revolves around Leroy’s quest to achieve the highest level of martial arts accomplishment, known as the Last Dragon.
Those who achieve the high ranking possess the Glow, which makes them the greatest fighter alive.
While Jackson appears in front of the camera for The Last Dragon, the RZA will work behind the scenes as a co-producer on the Columbia Pictures remake with Dallas Jackson, John Davis of Davis Entertainment and Berry Gordy's son Kerry Gordy.
Jackson, who currently shares the screen with Kerry Washington in the recently released feature Lakeview Terrace, will also write the screenplay for the feature.
The Last Dragon update will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records next year.