As rumored, Ray Park, who is best known for his appearance as Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I, and also as Toad in X-Men, has signed on the cast list to play the lead in Iron Fist, a feature film based on the Marvel Comics series, according to news briefings from The Hollywood Reporter.

John Turman (Freedom) will write the script for Artisan Entertainment. Artisan is seeking a director, with plans to begin production before the possible actors' strike in June.

Park will star as Danny Rand, a Westerner raised in a mystical secret temple who can channel his life force into his fist and strike with the force of iron. As an adult, Rand returns to the United States to seek revenge for his parents' murders.

Iron Fist will be the first theatrical film to come out of the joint venture between Artisan and Marvel. The duo are also developing a television show based on the character Thor.

Other Marvel characters in development at Artisan include Black Panther, in which Wesley Snipes has expressed interest, and Captain America.

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