Samuel L. Jackson has signed on to star in and co-produce "Afrosamurai," a live-action feature film adaptation of Takashi Okazaki's manga property.

Gonzo, Fuji Television Network and Los Angeles-based Mosaic Media Group's Charles Roven and Alex Gartner will produce. Shinichiro Ishikawa and Chihiro Kameyama will co-produce. The Firm's Eli Selden and Julie Yorn will executive produce. Gloria Fan is shepherding the project for Mosaic.

" 'Afrosamurai' is an enormously exciting concept that we think will translate strongly into a feature film," Roven and Gartner said. "We look forward to working with Samuel as well as with Gonzo and Fuji Television Network as we embark on this new venture together."

The story centers on No. 2, the Afro Samurai, who travels the road looking for revenge on those who murdered his father in front of him when he was just a boy. His nemesis is No. 1, a three-armed gunman who is the lord of the dark swordsman's road.

Production on the film is slated to begin next year, with the film targeting a 2007 release. An animated TV version of "Afrosamurai" is scheduled to air on Spike TV next year before being reverse imported to Japan, where it will air with Japanese subtitles. Jackson also will lend his voice to the series.

It has been a busy year for Jackson, whose 2005 credits include "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith," "Coach Carter" and "XXX: State of the Union." He received an Academy Award nomination for 1994's "Pulp Fiction."

Jackson is repped by ICM, the Firm and attorney Deborah Klein at Barnes Morris Klein Mark Yorn Barnes & Levine.