Hulu orders Wu-Tang Clan scripted series
The streaming service has given a full series order for the upcoming musical drama Wu-Tang: An American Saga detailing the creation of the titular rap group, Wu-Tang Clan, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
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Inspired by the books The Wu-Tang Manual and its sequel Tao of Wu, both written by the group’s frontman RZA, the series will be set at the height of the crack epidemic in ’90s-era New York and follow the group’s formation from a group of young black men who grow out of a life of crime into one of the most successful musical groups in American history, having sold 40 million albums worldwide and releasing five gold and platinum albums.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Hulu and Imagine to explore the vast story of the Wuniverse. Wu-Tang through our music has always strove to inspire as we entertain. This opportunity to continue the Wu — Saga in a 10-episode series will exponentially increase our inspirational style of entertainment. In the immortal words of ODB, ‘Wu-Tang is for the Children,’ “ RZA said.
Co-created by RZA and Alex Tse (Superfly), the series will be executive produced by Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment, both known for working on praised musical dramas 8 Mile loosely chronicling the life of Eminem (whom also starred in the film) and Empire starring Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.
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“I’ve been a fan of Wu-Tang since the mid-’90s and recognized quickly how significant Wu-Tang and RZA were to the world of hip-hop music and culture. Over the years I’ve gotten to know RZA and it’s clear that he is the soul and storyteller of Wu-Tang. Working with RZA and Alex Tse on this series has been a highlight of my career and Hulu is the perfect partner to bring this story to a global audience,” Grazer said.
The clan consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadonna and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who died in 2004 due to a drug overdose. The Killas, Deck, GZA and the Estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard will serve as consulting producers on the series.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)