Sam Jackson starring in The Last Dragon
A remake of the 1985 cult crime classic
Samuel L Jackson’s clearly got the taste for playing bad guys after Lakeview Terrace. He’s signed up to play villain Sho’Nuff in a remake of the 1985 pic The Last Dragon for Columbia.
The new version, which is being produced by Kerry Gordy, son of the original director Berry Gordy, will follow roughly the same plot, according to The Hollywood Reporter .
Never seen it? The cult film sees martial arts student Leroy Green aiming to achieve the eponymous highest ranking in his fighting form. Which makes those who manage it glow. Look, it was the ‘80s, okay?
Jackson’s a fan
Jackson’s role is the “Shogun of Harlem”, a leader of thugs who delighted in asking questions such as, "Am I the baddest mofo lowdown around this town?" with the trademark response from his men: “Sho’nuff!”
Again, the ‘80s.
The producers of the new film are hoping Gordy’s presence will help quell fan fears that typically surround a remake of a beloved cult pic.
"We're thrilled to be working with Kerry Gordy as he continues his father's legacy, and we're confident that he along with John and Dallas are the perfect team to develop the project," says Columbia’s Doug Belgrad. "They will capture everything that people love about the original while also bringing a fresh edge to the remake."
And Jackson seems happy to be a part of it too: "I'm a huge fan of the original and look forward to bringing Sho'Nuff into the 21st century," Jackson said.
While that won’t ironclad them against criticism, it does at least give Jackson the excuse to shout “motherf****r” more in a movie. Which is never a bad thing.
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