After helping to redefine modern martial arts action movies as the hero of “The Raid” films and breaking into Hollywood with roles in movies such as “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and the upcoming “Mile 22”, Indonesian action star Iko Uwais is now set to bring his fists of fury to the small screen as the lead in a new series for Netflix titled “Wu Assassins”.
According to a press release from the streaming media giant, Netflix describes “Wu Assassins” as a sci-fi crime drama set. Iko will not only act as the series’ lead but also as producer and lead fight choreographer.
Here’s the official series description from Netflix:
“WU ASSASSINS is an action-packed crime drama set In San Francisco’s Chinatown. The series stars Iko Uwais as Kai Jin, an aspiring chef who becomes the latest and last Wu Assassin, chosen to round up the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance once again.”
In addition to Iko, the series will be written and executive produced by John Wirth (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”; “Falling Skies”). Also on board as executive producers will be Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev, who worked on the critically-acclaimed “Fargo” TV series.
The first two episodes of “Wu Assassins” will be directed by Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Fung, who has helmed a number of successful martial arts movies such as “Tai Chi 0”.
We’re super excited for this series, not only as huge fans of Iko’s amazing fight choreography but also in the hopes that it can make up for Netflix’s past sins in the martial arts TV series genre (we’re looking at you, “Iron First”).
Netflix has not yet given a tentative release date for the series, which still seems to be early in pre-production. In the meantime, you can catch Iko on the big screen next month when his latest film “Mile 22” hits theaters in mid-August. Iko appears to have a huge role in the film in which he stars alongside the likes of Mark Wahlberg, John Malkovich and MMA star Ronda Rousey.
In related movie news, it was announced in May that two of Iko’s co-stars from “The Raid 2”, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman, will be starring in “John Wick 3” as two killers sent to take out the super assassin played by Keanu Reeves.
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