With his directorial debut, The Man With the Iron Fists, debuting in theaters this Friday, the RZA embarks on a transitioning career from musician to filmmaker. Early reviews paint the Wu-Tang Clan master producer's future as a movie director as a success. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Abbott is now lining up a biopic about Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire.
Working off a script by John Milius (Conan the Barbarian, Dirty Harry), this Genghis Khan movie has lingered in production limbo for years. The movie will focus on the life and times of the legendarily brutal military leader, although details are still scarce about what specific parts it will focus on. There was even one point where Milius was pegged to direct with actor Mickey Rourke as the film's lead. But now that things are different, it looks as if RZA will get his shot at it.
The grand news was also followed by word that RZA's next immediate project will be a crime drama entitled No Man's Land. The action-adventure flick will be about a man who steals another criminal's diamond, but is shocked to discover that it's far more valuable than he ever thought. The martial arts enthusiast's schedule is extremely busy; he's still attached to direct an adaptation of the Grant Morrison comic book, Happy. RZA is also making press rounds for Iron Fists, and hopes to reunite the Wu-Tang Clan for their last hoorah in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their first album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
If he can manage to pull all this off, the RZA will be a certified powerhouse in Hollywood. The Man With the Iron Fists, opening November 2, stars Russell Crowe, Rick Yune and Lucy Liu.
