The last time we heard about the remake of Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon, Samuel L. Jackson had been cast as the villainous Sho'Nuff, a role the actor was born to play (see an example of the character's badassery here). Slight problem, though: not only did this news surface almost a year and a half ago, but it is the only news that has ever come out of the project. The original film is the definition of cult classic, and has a fanbase (of which I am part) that might revolt at the news, but it is hard not to be curious as to what Jackson might do with the role. So in what direction is this movie headed?
Apparently, it is moving forward and with a popular singer and a target X-rating to boot - if you can trust the British tabloids. The Daily Mirror is reporting that Rihanna has been cast in the project, in which she will play "a super sexy, super kinky dominatrix." As for the rating, the X hasn't existed in the UK since 1982, when it was replaced by the 18 certificate (which is the equivalent of NC-17 here in the states).
My distrust of the British tabloids is well documented, so take what I am about to say with a grain of salt: the Rihanna casting may be true. Don't believe a word about the rating or the dominatrix stuff, but she may very well be in this movie. Think about it. We haven't heard anything about this movie in a long time, so why would they just decide to make something up about a film nobody's heard of? Also, the lead female role in the original was played by Vanity, who, back in 1985, was better known for her singing and being Prince's protege. It could just as well be wrong and bring the paper's reputation even lower, but something about this story just seems...right. Now my only request is that they get William H. Macy to reprise his bit role.
