The official Isaac Hayes memorial Twitter account posted an image today that would make any fan of John Shaft insanely happy. Audiences have seen the legendary Richard Roundtree in 1971 and Samuel L. Jackson in 2000 portray the crime-fighting New York City detective with the surname Shaft in their respective films. Roundtree has portrayed the iconic character in three feature films plus a short-lived TV series that aired on CBS from 1973-1974. Jackson portrayed the character’s nephew with the same name in 2000 with his iteration generating over $107 million worldwide on a $46 million budget. Fans would immediately recognize Hayes’ contribution to the franchise as his funky “Theme From Shaft” won Best Original Song Oscar at the Academy Awards in 1972.
He may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, JJ—aka John Shaft Jr. (Jessie T. Usher)—will need an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly. And while JJ’s own FBI analyst’s badge may clash with his dad’s trademark leather duster, there’s no denying family. Besides, Shaft’s got an agenda of his own, and a score to settle that’s professional and personal.
While on set, Hayes’ son confirmed production has officially begun by taking a snap with all three generations and they are looking absolutely stellar.
They say that #SHAFT family are some Bad Mutha#%*!as
3 Generations. 1 Movie.@The_JessieT @IsaacHayes3 #RichardRoundtree @SamuelLJackson #SonOfShaft pic.twitter.com/3PthKpjHH7— Isaac Hayes (@isaachayes) February 1, 2018
This image truly is the definition of cool and as the caption indicates, the Shaft family undoubtedly contains some Bad Mutha#%*!as. It will be interesting to see how director Tim Story (Ride Along) takes the character’s lore after 18 years of a Shaft film not appearing on the big screen. The film releases in theaters on June 14, 2019.
Are you looking forward to seeing more from the Shaft family? Let us know in the comments below.
