Sam Jackson is looking to bring the animated series Afro Samurai  to life on the silver screen. The Oscar-nominated actor and Gonzo studios will produce a live action film based on the popular cartoon, which has spawned “an impressive franchise and a global following.”

Afro Samurai is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Takashi Okazaki. Inspired by Okazaki’s love of soul, hip hop music and American media, the series follows the life of a Black Samurai, who, as a child, witnessed the murder of his father at the hands of a gunslinger named Justice. Now an adult, the “Afro Samurai” sets off to avenge his father’s death and kill Justice.

The program has been adapted into a five-episode TV series and later spawned a made-for-tv movie sequel, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, in 2009. Two successful soundtracks (produced by RZA) and a video game were also developed.

Along with providing Afro’s voice for the series and TV movie, Jackson has also acted as an executive producer.

(Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)