With the folding of HBO subsidiary Cinemax, there was a real moment of uncertainty for the martial arts crime drama Warrior after an explosive sophomore season. But like our Bruce Lee-inspired protagonist Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), the fandom and key production figures wiped the blood from their noses, dusted themselves off, and rallied to make the third instalment a reality. Today, we’re delighted to report that not only does Warrior season 3 have a release date, there’s also a tasty full-length trailer.
For the uninitiated, this gritty affair based on the legendary Bruce Lee’s initial pitch for what would eventually be plagiarised to create Kung Fu starring David Carradine is set during the 19th century Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown. And after both racial and political tensions culminated in a riot that completely upended this little corner of California – brutal, large-scale fight choreography and all – the forthcoming episodes will obviously have to address the aftermath.
“The riot at the end of last season drastically changed the playing field in Chinatown, and when the new season begins, the tongs are fighting each other for scraps,” said co-showrunner and executive producer Josh Stoddard (via Deadline).
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“With the cops enforcing a slew of cruel new ordinances meant to punish the Chinese, our characters are desperate, looking for new ways forward. That means new risks, uneasy alliances, and huge betrayals that will force every single one of our characters to confront some ugly truths and lead Ah Sahm to explore the tension between the gangster he is, and the hero his people need him to be.”
“Since coming off the boat and entering the world of San Francisco, Chinatown, Ah Sahm has been a great fighter, but not a true martial artist or warrior. He’s like an early draft version of the icon of Bruce Lee – always too rough around the edges and immature to become the man he should be for the people that need him. This part of the story sees him step further into his true self,” elaborated Andrew Koji who, as previously mentioned, portrays lead protagonist Ah Sahm.
“A huge choice and a decision that is thrust upon him – that has been coming to him for a long time and an important reason that shows him the way.”
The long-awaited Warrior season 3 release date has officially been locked in for June 29th, 2023 (expect it to hit Australia’s Binge and Foxtel around the same time) – check out the full-length trailer above.
