Voice casting for the animated family comedy “Blazing Samurai” was announced today, with Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Cera, George Takei and Mel Brooks among those attached to the project.
“Blazing Samurai” tells the story of a “scrappy dreamer of a dog named Hank (voiced by 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, set for release on Aug. 4, 2017, “is equally inspired by and an homage to” Brooks’ classic “Blazing Saddles,” according to the filmmakers, who said Brooks will give voice to the misguided but benevolent leader Shogun.
“There is no business like Shogun business,” Brooks said. “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.”
Gabriel Iglesias, Aasif Mandvi, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Sandra Tsing Loh and Mel B. are also loaning their voice talents to the film, as is 5- year-old “America’s Got Talent” phenom Heavenly Joy Jerkins.
The film is being directed by Chris Bailey (“Alvin And The Chipmunks”) and Mark Koetsier (“Kung Fu Panda,” “How To Train Your Dragon”).
Rob Minkoff, who directed “The Lion King” and “Stuart Little,” is one of the producers.
“We’ve assembled some extraordinarily strong comedic talent for the cast of this fresh, fun and irreverent animated family film,” Minkoff said. “From the artistic ambition to the East meets West style of story-telling, everyone involved in creating ‘Blazing Samurai’ is having a blast.”
