RZA To Direct John Milius-Penned 'Genghis Khan' Biopic & Actioner 'No Man's Land'

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by Oliver Lyttelton
October 29, 2012 1:05 PM
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We're only a few days away from finding out how the debut feature from Wu-Tang legend RZA turns out: his Eli Roth-penned, Tarantino-produced, Russell Crowe-starring kung-fu epic "The Man With The Iron Fists" hits theaters on Friday, so reviews should be dropping any day now. But however it's received, the rapper-turned-actor-turned-director is making it clear that he's in the filmmaking business for the long run: he attached himself to the bonkers-sounding Grant Morrison adaptation "Happy!" recently, and today, he's added two more prospects to his directorial dance card.

The Hollywood Reporter bring news that RZA's next film is likely to be "No Man's Land," a "Warriors"-esque actioner about a man who steals a gangster's diamond, and goes on the run with a dancer. Penned by novelist Trey Ellis and David Klass ("Walking Tall"), it's produced by former 20th Century Fox boss Bill Mechanic, and RZA's partner Reginald Hudlin. Frankly, it sounds a bit anonymous, but hopefully RZA will be able to bring some spin to it.

Far more intriguing is another project that could end up filming next year: "Genghis Khan," a biopic of the legendary and bloody military leader, penned by none other than the great and bonkers John Milius ("Conan," "Apocalypse Now"). The script is a passion project of Milius' that he was once set to direct (with Mickey Rourke in the lead role), but RZA's stepping in, and that's the kind of team-up that could end up bearing a lot of fruit. Andre Morgan and Peter Lam ("The Warlords") are producing, and it's hoped that the film will shoot in China next year, although that'll obviously depend on financing, and on the status of "No Man's Land." You can find out if RZA's got enough directorial talent to get excited over these when "The Man With The Iron Fists" hits theaters on Friday.