EXCLUSIVE: RZA is launching label 36 Cinema Distribution with the U.S. theatrical release of his revenge-thriller RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate.
RZA’s Kill Bill collaborator and mentor Quentin Tarantino has come aboard to present the film, which is heavily influenced by martial arts and exploitation cinema, and follows an ex-military convict seeking redemption in a small town.
Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA directed, wrote and produced the film, which is set for a U.S. theatrical release powered by Variance Films on May 1, 2026. It will be presented in 35mm for select engagements, including a two-week run at LA’s Vista Theatre.
Going forward, the plan is for 36 Cinema Distribution to handle feature distribution of new releases and classic titles for both traditional theatrical runs as well as event theatrical screenings. Additional titles are being lined up now. RZA launched 36 Cinema in 2020 as a virtual screening platform to showcase classic kung fu films with live audio commentary.
RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate, which debuted at Tribeca last year, stars Shameik Moore, Blair Underwood, RJ Cyler, Paris Jackson, Emyri Crutchfield, Michael Harney and Harry Goodwins. Producers are RZA, Paul Hall, and Talani R. Diggs.
Tarantino said today: “As a filmmaker, RZA really brought home the bacon on an old-school, foot-to-ass, Revenge-a-matic! This picture drives audiences wild wherever it screens. We’ll sell you a whole seat, but you’ll only use the edge of it.”
RZA composed the scores for Tarantino’s Kill Bill 1 and 2 and Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 film Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai. He scored RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate with Tyler Bates. He made his directorial debut in 2012 with martial arts film The Man with the Iron Fists, which was produced by Tarantino.
“My new film, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate, is my fourth feature film as a director,“ said RZA. “It embodies my journey as a filmmaker, to date, mixing action, drama, thrills, and substance. The first draft started over thirteen years ago, and wasn’t completed until 2023. After two years of filmmaking, we are ready to show this film to the audience. I believe this film is best suited for theaters because theaters capture our imagination while holding our attention. At its core, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate is a story of a young man’s journey to better his life’s circumstances, while everything around him is shaken. All of our journeys revolve around the choices we make and how we choose to live with them. The film is both timeless and timely. Get ready for thrills, chills, and some bone-cracking action, followed by a spoonful of thought provoking substance.”
The film follows “Unique, a veteran and ex-convict seeking a fresh start in a small town. After an altercation with a gang of locals, he starts to suspect they may have something to do with the disappearance of young men in the area – including his cousin. As he digs for the truth, he finds himself the target of not only the gang, but the local sheriff’s office, whose involvement in the disappearances may be even more sinister. Instead of waiting for his turn to be picked off, Unique and those closest to him decide to fight back.”
