RZA Wants Rihanna For Last Dragon Remake

Wu Tang Clan leader RZA wants R&B diva Rihanna to co-star in his upcoming remake of 1980s cult favorite The Last Dragon. The rapper/producer is co-producing a remake of the Berry Gordy-produced martial arts musical and told MTV yesterday he would like to see her take on the role of video show host/singer Laura Charles. Prince protégé Vanity played the role in the original 1985 flop (whcih gained fame on cable later).

"That’s the one I’m rooting for," RZA said of Rihanna. "We’re keeping that same concept of the girl being in the music business. We’re gonna make it real classic. We’re not gonna take it back to the ’80s. We’re gonna try it a few years ahead. Modern times, but a few steps ahead in the future. We got some crazy ideas, but the main thing is still finding that glow. That’s still the theme of the film, to find that glow in yourself."

"I’m co-producing and I’ll add my martial arts expertise and add my ideas and make a phat film from that cult classic we all loved as kids," RZA continued. "The first draft of the script is in right now. We definitely should be shooting in ‘09.

Pictured above, of course, is actor Julius Carry, who played Sho’nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, in the O.G. Last Dragon. Sho’nuff battles black belt Bruce Leroy, the hero, who is trying to reach the highest level of karate training, which involves finding a mythical sensei who could teach him how to find "the glow."

Meanwhile, RZA co-stars in Judd Apatow’s upcoming comedy Funny People alongside Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, and is releasing Afro Samurai: Resurrection, the second soundtrack to the animated TV show Afro Samurai, on January 27. Jackson stars in and executive-produced the animated series.

"He’s my man, he’s a cool muthaf***a," RZA told MTV. "Sam loves kung fu movies and exploitation films. I love the same things. I recognize Sam as the big O.G. We as hip-hop artists gotta realize something when we step into other worlds. I’m the master of my world. I’m a bad muthaf***a. I showed and proved that already. I got my footprints clear in the sand. But in Hollywood, I’m the student now. We gotta learn when we’re the master and the student."

"Kiss my Converse!"

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