A new Gonzo anime series called 'Afro Samurai' is set to star acclaimed American actor Samuel L. Jackson in the lead role! The series' has already been scheduled for a 2006 American TV broadcast, with a possible simultaneous premiere on Japanese TV too.

Gonzo have long been looking to establish themselves in new territories outside of Japan; most notably producing an animated music video for rock band Linkin Park (song was 'Breaking the Habit').

They should have just roped him in to do some of the voice work on 'Samurai Champloo'; it already has funky samurai, a hip-hop soundtrack and break-dancing fighting styles - seems exactly the type of anime you could imagine him working on!

Provided Gonzo actually produce a good story to go with this (on the same level as something like Last Exile), I can imagine 'Afro Samurai' will be a massive hit.