Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Cera, Mel Brooks and more will lend their voices to the Blazing Samurai movie
Blazing Samurai, the upcoming animated family comedy from Mass Animation, Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, Flying Tigers Entertainment, and GFM Films, has announced today that Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Cera and Mel Brooks are joining a cast that will also include George Takei, Gabriel Iglesias, Aasif Mandvi, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Sandra Tsing Loh, Mel B. and Heavenly Joy Jerkins.
Blazing Samurai is an action-packed animated comedy about a scrappy dreamer of a dog named Hank (voiced by Michael Cera) who longs to become a great warrior and fights to save the town of Kakamucho from becoming the litter box of a nefarious feline warlord, transforming society and himself on his quest to become a true samurai.
The film is equally inspired by and an homage to Mel Brooks’ classic comedy Blazing Saddles. GFM Films is handling international sales.
Samuel L. Jackson will voice Jimbo, a cat who once was a great warrior who now lives life hitting the cat-nip a bit too hard. Despite his addled state, Jimbo reluctantly takes lovable mutt Hank under his wing and teaches him the cunning, courageous and warrior-like ways of the samurai. Forging an unusual friendship between a cat and a dog, the two set off on a wild and hilarious journey to save the town of Kakamucho whilst at the same time learning what it means to be a true, great samurai.
Mel Brooks will voice Shogun, the misguided but benevolent leader. George Takei will voice Ohga, the villain’s enforcer. Djimon Hounsou is Sumo, the gentle giant. Aasif Mandvi and Gabriel Iglesias, meanwhile, will star as Ichiro and Chuck, Kakamucho’s Laurel and Hardy towncats, with Sandra Tsing Loh as Little Mama, Kakamucho’s cranky grande dame. The film also features five year-old “America’s Got Talent” star, Heavenly Joy Jerkins, as Emiko, the feisty, feline kitten who is a natural warrior. Michelle Yeoh, then, is voicing Yuki, Emiko’s over-protective mom. And Mel B, finally, cameos as The Giraffe, who sees herself as a cat.
“We’ve assembled some extraordinarily strong comedic talent for the cast of this fresh, fun and irreverent animated family film,” says Minkoff. “From the artistic ambition to the East meets West style of story-telling, everyone involved in creating Blazing Samurai is having a blast.”
“Throughout the recording sessions from Mel Brooks to Mel B, this cast has not only met the humor, but raised the level of comedy and heart in this unique homage to ‘Blazing Saddles,’” adds Landau. “Ed and Nate delivered a first-rate script in Blazing Samurai, a story about cats and dogs getting along that will appeal to everyone whether they’ve seen the original comedy classic or not.”
“When I first read ‘Blazing Samurai’ it bounced me back to my first experience of the joy of animated films,” says Michael Ryan, partner at GFM Films. “It’s clever, it’s hilariously funny and it has pathos. I think that is why we have such great actors joining the cast. It’s such a great piece of writing. We are thrilled with the way our partners have already embraced this film and look forward to sharing more at AFM during our special presentation on Wednesday.”
“There is no business like Shogun business,” says Mel Brooks. “And what is wonderful about the film is that it is going to have great appeal not only for kids but their parents too It’s funny and smart.”
Blazing Samurai is being produced by the The Lion King and Stuart Little director Rob Minkoff along with long-time animation industry executive and President and Founder of Mass Animation Yair Landau (Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs) and producer Susan Purcell (Mother Up!). Executive producers include Mel Brooks (Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein), Reginald Hudlin (Django Unchained) and Pietro Ventani. Blazing Samurai is directed by Chris Bailey (Alvin And The Chipmunks) and Mark Koetsier (Kung Fu Panda, How To Train Your Dragon) from a screenplay by Ed Stoneand Nate Hopper.
Blazing Samurai will be released by Open Road Films in the United States on August 4, 2017. Sony Pictures International Releasing has already picked up several major territories worldwide, and Huayi Brothers Media Corporation is distributing the film in Greater China.
(Photo Credit: Joe / WENN.com)
