The RZA Directing 'The Man with the Iron Fist'

The most unusual film projects pop up in the most unexpected of places. The quick-eyed gang at /film caught a chat between Billboard and The RZA in which the musican / actor dropped a hint about a movie project he was working on. "RZA has developed a martial arts film with Hollywood pal Eli Roth called The Man with the Iron Fist, which he says has "the blessing" of his 'teacher,' Quentin Tarantino."

The combination of those names with "martial arts film" is what had people buzzing. Or at least, those who were dedicated enough to be online providing movie news over the holiday weekend. (Salute them now.) CHUD's Devin Faraci decided to get to the bottom of the story, and e-mailed Roth to find out what was up. It's even cooler than the Billboard quote would have you believe. The Man with the Iron Fist was written entirely by RZA (and has nothing to do with the Marvel character of a similar moniker), and will be his directorial debut.

According to Roth: " RZA's script is amazing. He has been studying directing with Tarantino for years, and he's really ready to get behind the camera. His impact on rap music and hip hop culture cannot be measured, and he's ready to add his own unique style and vision to the world of film. This movie will have everything martial arts fans could want, combined with RZA's superb musical talent. This project has been his dream for years, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. And fans should know that yes, there will be blood ... This ain't no PG-13."

According to Faraci, who met him during a Kill Bill press junket, RZA is a bona fide expert on martial arts films. Combine that knowledge with the input of Tarantino and Roth, and we are going to be in for something pretty damn kick-ass. Although, to be honest, I'm already entertained just by mentally casting RZA and Tarantino into a martial arts training montage. You know that's exactly how their education sessions went down.