Producer Eli Roth on RZA’s ‘Iron Fist’

News | Film News | by Mark Pollard

Eli Roth in Quentin Tarantino's INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS. Eli Roth, the horror filmmaker and co-star in Quentin Tarantino’s INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, recently gave Sci Fi Wire an update on development of his collaboration with hip-hop maestro RZA to produce the kung fu movie, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FIST.

Although RZA is currently on a music tour, the two are presently working on the script. “I’m just sitting down with him, but Quentin has been mentoring RZA for years, and he’s ready to do it, and he’s directed music videos,” said Roth. “He knows kung-fu movies the way Quentin knows kung fu and like the way I know horror movies; he’s seen everything.”

Without being specific, Roth hinted that RZA is using iconic figures from the martial arts world while creating something unique that draws on his knowledge of film and music.

“He’s got this whole movie figured out,” Roth said. “But it’s his own universe, his own world. It’s got hip-hop mixed in with kung fu; it’s got a multiracial cast; he’s got people lined up and all of these martial-arts stars and choreographers he’s already talked to about it. It’s really going to be spectacular.”

Roth mentions that no time table has been set to move the production beyond its early planning stage yet and that the focus is only on getting the script right at the moment.

Source: Sci Fi Wire

Tags: RZA, The Man with the Iron Fist, upcoming

stdthagreat

This project sounds intriuging. A colorful cast would be a nice breath of fresh air. RMD and C2TG were horrible. I think a much better hip hop infused martial arts movie should have great choreography, nice long takes, set in a modern setting, and a banging soundtrack for the fight scenes. Like Kiss Of Dragon. The fight scene with the black boxer in the shop and the last fight scene with Cyril Raffaelli are perfect examples. Those scenes made me hype. This movie should be better than that silly attempt of Volcano High.

Name

Hey Realist, I understand your point, however, if there's a Martial Arts film fan, they already appreciate the genre. Trying to woo others; thta's not the way to go about it. That's like the stupid ring card girls between rounds of a headliner boxing match... at the end of the night, you won't care about her-you'll simply remember you were there when Tyson Chewed off a chunk of Holyfield's ear!

Nigel Clarke

Realist,

By the way you are talking here, you sound like you might be the RZA himself.

The Realist

Nigel Clarke,

LOL, I can assure you I'm not the RZA. Because if I was him I'd probably have all the money I needed and be in Brazil or China getting with all the hotties. LOL

Whydoesitmatter?

I hope this project comes to life sooner than later. The only martial arts we get know are action films with a kick or two thrown in there or bad martial arts films. Im curious as to know WHO has RZA been talking to? There are only 5 decent choreographers that are known right now in the WORLD who are respected enough to handle the type of action he might be looking for. Sammo (too busy), Donnie Yen (too busy), 87eleven's team which consist of many choreographers (i think), Wo Ping, Brad Allen etc.

I just hope there is not too much hip hop due to it might scare some people away, when was the last time hip hop and martial arts made SERIOUS money at the box office? Its not that it cant be done, but it has yet to truly succeed on a mainstream theatrical level (not too mention a good story too).

The Dragon

Boo! Why do they keep trying to merge Hip Hop with Kung Fu? I'm tired of the Romeo Must Die in a Cradle to the Grave S@#t!!
Lau Kar Liang and Yuen Woo Ping don't need rappers to make great Kung Fu films. Nobody watches those straight to video blunders the Hip Hoppers put out-except ghetto fab wannabes.

The Realist

Hey The Dragon

I don't like the merging of Hip Hop and Kung Fu either. I don't care for the Romeo Must Die shit either.
However, unfortunately if we want to reach a "wider audience" then this is what usually happens.
I didn't care for Rush Hour, Romeo Must Die, Cradle to the Grave, or any of those but it got my people (Black folks) to watch Asian cinema.

I have a co-worker right now who doesn't like Martial Arts movies, but suddenly it's all wonderful since Chris Tucker is in it. Trust me, if I had the choice to keep it true and pure with a film like CTHD, HERO, or Drunken Master, then I would go that route. Unfortunately most westerners are spoiled and need some pop figure or rapper to entice them to see the movie.
RZA seems like he'll bring that to the table while still keeping things true to the spirit of Martial Arts and the genre of Martial Arts films

kungfufighting

The more I learn about this film, the more curious I am to see it. I have a feeling this is going to be a great martial arts movie. I mean...the Wu Tang guys based a whole career around idolizing films like "Shaolin Master Killer" and "Shaolin vs. Lama" *amongst other things). I respect RZA. Think he's on target.

The Realist

The is great because once again we will see another door-opening-film for Asian cinema and more importantly, the world & spirituality of Martial Arts.

See, there are people who just don't "understand" martial arts and don't see it's mental, physical and spiritual benifits. I've known a lot of people who love urban entertainment but they aren't open to Martial Arts. But suddenly when you put DMX or Chris Tucker in the film then the urban loving crowd pays attention.

So this is good and I think RZA can make a good Martial Arts movie with this multi-racial cast to open the eyes of everyone and bring classic actors and great choreography to the big screen while giving Martial Arts films the true respect they deserve

Kraak Mo

Oh baby! RZA rules! I only recently began to appreciate his work when I caught him on THE PROTECTOR video special features. Since then, I've noticed his influence more and more. The guy knows his martial arts (not quite as well as Mark though . . .).