Bruce Lee-Inspired Martial Arts Drama ‘Warrior’ Ordered Straight To Series By Cinemax

Cinemax just gave “Warrior” a straight to series order!

The martial arts drama was inspired by an idea from the legendary Bruce Lee, and it revolves around Chinese immigrant and martial arts expert Ah Sahm. Set in the crime-ridden Chinatown of San Francisco in the 1870s, Ah Sahm will become a hatchet man for one of the most influential crime families in the area.

Read: Cinemax cancels “Quarry” after one season

“Banshee” director Jonathan Tropper created the series and also served as executive producer. “Fast and the Furious” director Justin Lin will helm all 10 episodes of “Warrior.” Filming for the upcoming series will begin sometime in the fall in Cape Town, South Africa, according to TV Line.

After Cinemax’s decision to order “Warrior” straight to series, network programming president Kary Antholis released a statement explaining their decision. “‘Warrior’ follows in the spirit of the tradition of adrenalized Cinemax dramas that we established with ‘Strike Back’ and ‘Banshee.’ We are brimming with excitement for this unique martial arts series combining Bruce Lee’s inspired conception with the immense storytelling talents of Jonathan Tropper and Justin Lin,” the statement read.

“Warrior” is produced by Perfect Storm Entertainment, Tropper Ink Productions and Bruce Lee Productions. Tropper also released a statement to NBC News regarding the upcoming series. “As a show that proudly bears the imprimatur of Bruce Lee, it’s our intention to deliver not only explosive martial arts action – which we will – but also a powerful and complex immigration drama that is as relevant today as it was in the 1870s,” he said.

Lin, meanwhile, expressed his admiration for Lee for his efforts in opening doors of opportunities for his fellow Asians. “I was intrigued when Danielle told me about the urban legend of this never-produced idea for a TV show and suggested we bring it to life. Then, when Shannon shared with us her father’s writings – rich with Lee’s unique philosophies on life, and through a point of view rarely depicted on screen – Danielle and I knew that Perfect Storm had to make it,” he said.

As of late, Cinemax has not yet announced the premiere date for “Warrior,” but this will most likely take place in 2018.