RZA Launches 36 Cinema Distribution, Teams With Quentin Tarantino for Revenge Thriller RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate

RZA teams with Quentin Tarantino to bring the revenge thriller RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate to theaters through his new label, 36 Cinema Distribution.

Wu-Tang Clan founder and filmmaker RZA is expanding his presence in the film world with the launch of 36 Cinema Distribution, a new label dedicated to theatrical releases and special event screenings. The company’s first major move will be the U.S. theatrical rollout of RZA’s latest revenge thriller, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate.

The project arrives with some serious backing from longtime collaborator Quentin Tarantino, who has signed on to present the film. The partnership continues a creative relationship that stretches back decades, including RZA composing the score for Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Kill Bill: Vol. 2.

Tarantino praised the film’s throwback intensity, describing it as “an old-school, foot-to-ass, Revenge-a-matic,” adding that audiences have been reacting wildly wherever it has screened.

Directed, written, and produced by RZA, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate blends martial arts energy with exploitation-style storytelling, following an ex-military convict trying to start over in a small town—only to uncover something far darker beneath the surface.

The film originally premiered at the Tribeca Festival last year and is set for a U.S. theatrical release on May 1, 2026, with distribution powered by Variance Films. Select engagements will feature 35mm screenings, including a two-week run at Los Angeles’ historic Vista Theatre.

Going forward, 36 Cinema Distribution plans to handle both new titles and classic films, with a mix of traditional theatrical releases and event-based screenings.

The label grows out of RZA’s earlier 36 Cinema platform, which launched in 2020 as a virtual space showcasing classic kung fu films with live commentary. The new distribution arm marks a major step toward bringing those genre influences back to theaters.

The film stars Shameik Moore as Unique, a veteran and ex-con attempting to rebuild his life in a quiet town. But after a confrontation with a group of locals, he begins to suspect that something sinister is happening in the community—including the disappearance of several young men, one of whom may be connected to him.

As Unique digs deeper, he becomes a target not only for the gang but also for a local sheriff’s office whose involvement in the mystery may run deeper than expected. Instead of waiting to become the next victim, Unique and those closest to him decide to fight back.

The cast also includes Blair Underwood, RJ Cyler, Paris Jackson, Emyri Crutchfield, Michael Harney, and Harry Goodwins.

Producers on the project include RZA alongside Paul Hall and Talani R. Diggs.

For RZA, the film represents a long journey to the screen. The director revealed that the story began over thirteen years ago, with the final script completed in 2023.

“My new film, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate, is my fourth feature film as a director,” RZA said in a statement. “It embodies my journey as a filmmaker to date—mixing action, drama, thrills, and substance.”

He also emphasized the importance of theatrical exhibition, noting that the film was built for the big-screen experience.

“I believe this film is best suited for theaters because theaters capture our imagination while holding our attention,” he said. “Get ready for thrills, chills, and some bone-cracking action, followed by a spoonful of thought-provoking substance.”

With a blend of martial arts action, revenge storytelling, and grindhouse influence, RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate looks poised to deliver exactly the kind of genre spectacle that inspired RZA’s filmmaking in the first place—and with Tarantino helping present the film, genre fans will likely be paying very close attention when it hits theaters this May.