Hiro Murai, a prominent director known for his work in television and music videos, is set to make his feature film debut with “Bushido.” This original samurai film will be financed by A24, which will co-produce alongside Square Peg and 2AM.
While specific plot details are still under wraps, “Bushido” is described as a high-stakes action film set in feudal Japan. Murai will direct the film based on a script by Henry Dunham, who is known for his critically acclaimed thriller “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek.” The two will produce alongside Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen from Square Peg, as well as Julia Oh, Christine D’Souza Gelb, and David Hinojosa from 2AM.
The timing of this project aligns with a renewed interest in samurai stories, particularly following the success of FX’s “Shōgun.” This drama has gained acclaim for its deep exploration of samurai culture and feudal politics in early 17th-century Japan. Earlier this fall, “Shōgun” made history by becoming the first Japanese-language series to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series.
A24 has a longstanding partnership with both Square Peg and 2AM.
Their current slate includes several exciting projects, such as “Death of a Unicorne,” featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega; “Eddington,” starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone; and “The Drama,” which stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Additionally, A24 is preparing to release “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, on Christmas Day.
Murai is best known for his work on FX’s hit series “Atlanta,” where he served as director and executive producer. He has collaborated with Donald Glover on various projects, including the Amazon music film “Guava Island,” which also starred Rihanna. Murai has also directed episodes of Glover’s upcoming Prime Video series “Mr. and Mrs.
Smith.” His work has earned him multiple Emmy nominations this year for both “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and as an executive producer for FX’s culinary series “The Bear.”
Dunham is recognized for writing and directing “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. He is represented by Anonymous Content and attorney Stephen Clark of Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.
As Murai embarks on this new venture with “Bushido,” he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the samurai genre while honoring its rich cultural heritage. Fans are eager to see how his unique vision unfolds in this highly anticipated project.
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