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Hulu has given a straight-to-series order to Wu-Tang: An American Saga. The upcoming drama series created and written by Alex Tse (SuperFly) and Wu-Tang Clan frontman The RZA has received a 10-episode order from Hulu and will be executive produced by Imagine Entertainment Co-founder Brian Grazer (Empire, Genius); Imagine Television Group Chairman Francie Calfo (Empire, Genius); Wu-Tang Clan’s The RZA and Method Man; and Tse. Imagine Television executive James Seidman will oversee the project.
Based on one of the most influential and important groups in hip-hop history, the series marks the latest high-profile original series order from Hulu that aims to deliver authentic, culturally relevant storytelling to today’s audiences. It will explore and expand the world of the Wu-Tang Clan, and marks Hulu’s second project with Imagine, following the Emmy- and Grammy-winning documentary, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week – The Touring Years.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga is inspired by The RZA’s books The Wu-Tang Manual and Tao of Wu, and based on the group’s true story. Set in early ’90s New York at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic, the show tracks Wu-Tang’s formation, a vision of Bobby Diggs, aka The RZA, who strives to unite a dozen young Black men torn between music and crime but eventually rise to become the unlikeliest of American success stories.
The Wu-Tang Clan has released five gold and platinum albums, selling 40 million albums worldwide. The group is often hailed as one of the most influential groups in the history of hip-hop with a unique sound and distinct image.
“I’ve been a fan of Wu-Tang since the mid-90’s and recognized quickly how significant Wu-Tang and The 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,” said Grazer.
“The Wu Tang clan has made an immeasurable contribution to music and our popular culture,” said Craig Erwich, Hulu’s SVP of Originals. “Their unique musical form and authentic storytelling continues to speak to our times. This series is a conversation- worthy event that will bring their history and music to life in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”
“It is fitting that WuTang: An American Saga is our first series to launch this new chapter as an independent production company/studio as it embodies all of the elements we look for in a story: ambition, vision, imagination, community and the power of music to transcend our lives,” said Calfo.
“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,” said The RZA.
“Imagine, Hulu and Wu-Tang–I’m thrilled with this collaboration. This is a major win for hip-hop” said Method Man.
“Ever since I heard “Da Mystery of Chessboxing” on the B-side maxicassette single of “C.R.E.A.M,.” I’ve been a lifelong Wu fan. I’ll be celebrating this by buying a pair of Clarks Wallabys,” said Tse.
Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Killa and GZA as well as the estate of Ol’ Dirty Bastard will serve as consulting producers on the project.
“Ayo u know what it is, Wu-Tang is forever. We’re stepping into new chambers with Hulu and bringing our fans with us,” said Ghostface Killah.
“I look forward to collaborating with Hulu and Imagine for the production and filming of the Wu-Tang series. This has been a long time request from fans and supporters for many years and it is long overdue. We now get to grant their wishes,” said GZA.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga will join Hulu’s originals slate alongside Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner The Handmaid’s Tale and the Emmy-nominated The Looming Tower, The First, Castle Rock, Little Fires Everywhere, Ramy, Shrill and Catch-22. It will also premiere on Hulu, which has a full offering of popular acquired hits such as Empire, Power and Atlanta.
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