Common just found himself a rather un-common role. The rapper/actor will be playing Robert Sand in the TV version of Black Samurai, this according to Variety.
The yet-unsold show is based on the 1974 book of the same title. In 1977, that book became the basis for the movie Black Samurai starring martial arts legend Jim Kelly in the role of Sand. In it, Sand is a secret agent for D.R.A.G.O.N. (Defense Reserve Agency Guardian Of Nations) and he kicks a lot of ass.
According to Variety, show producer Andre Gaines described Sand as “like black Jason Bourne.”
The program is being executive produced by Wu-Tang Clan”s RZA, a well-known fan of the martial arts. The rapper recently produced The Man with the Iron Fists 2 and in 2005, he was EP on Blood of a Champion.
As for what network the show will air on, that”s still to be determined. The publication does note that there”s no shortage of interest.
If you want to check out the trailer for the 1977 movie, and seeing Jim Kelly in rare form, it”s posted below.