Author Sol Yurick died in New York City 3 years ago, at age 87. Cause of death was complications of lung cancer, according to his daughter, Susanna Yurick.
Mr Yurick is probably best-known for his 1965 novel “The Warriors” – inspired by an ancient Greek work written titled Anabasis, about the Greeks’ failed conquest of Persia around 400 B.C.
Yurick’s novel set the story in New York, centering it on a battle between rival street gangs. Among them are the Coney Island Dominators, an African American and Hispanic gang who are the central characters of the novel, and who must return to their home turf after they are framed for the murder of another respected gang leader.
That 1965 novel became a feature-length film in 1979, under the direction of Walter Hill, and the Coney Island Dominators in the novel became The Warriors from Coney Island.
The film, now a cult classic, was immediately popular with young audiences. It takes place in a violent, dystopian landscape, with running commentary by an unseen radio DJ, as The Warriors confront rival gangs.
With an ensemble cast featuring performances from several black actors like Dorsey Wright and David Harris, it’s colorful, fast-moving and lean, embracing its own campiness, even as it takes it characters and their emotions very seriously.
A pulpy narrative, operatic cheesiness, yet surprisingly poetic images, it’s an enjoyable cult classic.
Announced today, Joe and Anthony Russo, co-directors of the last two “Captain America” movies, will direct a TV adaptation of “The Warriors.” The brothers will team with writer Frank Baldwin on what will be an hour-long weekly drama series. They will also direct the pilot.
The project is in development with Paramount TV and Hulu. No word yet on how the adaptation’s story will unfold over the course of a TV season (assuming it’s picked up for a season), and when it can be expected.
For those who’ve never seen the original film, you should know that it’s currently streaming on Netlifx, so if you have an account there, you’re just a few clicks away from watching the film, which I recommend you do.
Deadline was first to report today’s new of a TV adaptation.
Trailer below:
