‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’ actor Ashton Sanders on new season: 'I’m just excited'

LOS ANGELES - The Hulu series, "Wu-Tang: An American Saga", assaying the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan — one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the ‘90s — is back for a second season — and this time around the series will tap into more music.

The first season focused heavily on the characters’ upbringing in the projects of New York, prior to becoming the pop-culture icons that fans know today. Now, the patiently-awaited formation of the Wu-Tang Clan will come to fruition when it returns to the streaming service on Sept. 8.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga -- “As High as Wu-Tang Gets” - Episode 210 -- The Clan makes big moves for Wu domination. Shotgun (Dave East) and Bobby (Ashton Sanders), shown. (Photo by: Vanessa Clifton/Hulu)

Ashton Sanders, who plays Bobby Diggs, aka RZA, told FOX Television Stations that this means season two will focus significantly on the music and performances, highlighting "36 Chambers", the Wu-Tang Clan’s first iconic album. 

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"I think fans are going to be really stoked about the music," Sanders said of season two. "I think fans are going to be excited about seeing these boys, these young men transition. We see Bobby transition into RZA. We see Dennis transition into Ghostface Killah, and so on and so forth. I think people have really been waiting for that in particular." 

Dennis (Siddiq Saunderson), Gary (Johnell Young), Bobby (Ashton Sanders), Ason (TJ Atoms), and U-God (Damani D. Sease), shown. (Photo by: Vanessa Clifton/Hulu)

At a young age, Sanders, 25, has already garnered national recognition on the big screen, with roles in "Judas and the Black Messiah" and more notably, the Academy Award-winning movie "Moonlight." But, in his first major television role, he said tapping into the vocal cadence of RZA has proven the most challenging aspect. 

"I am not a rapper, so that, for me, was always the most nerve-wracking thing but also the most liberating thing to do," Sanders continued. 

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Sanders revealed it can be intimidating bringing such an iconic figure to life, especially with RZA serving as an executive producer and co-creator of the series. 

"At first, definitely intimidating, for sure," Sanders revealed. "But, I think the more you spend time with RZA, the more you talk to him, the more you just start to understand him as a human being, as a person, [and] all of that [intimidation] fades. And you’re just grateful to be there and portray somebody like him who’s so important to hip hop culture and to be a part of such an iconic project." 

Sanders revealed it was RZA’s energy that he wanted to carry over into his depiction of the legendary artist.

"The way that he thinks, his leadership, all of that are some things that I’m really able to tap into and carry over," Sanders continued. "Having him there was definitely helpful for sure. This is a biopic character and fortunately, he’s still alive. So, I’m able to talk to him and reference him if I have questions. In regards to that, I think it was definitely helpful and made things a little more comfortable on set actually." 

In the newest season, Bobby knows that success in the music industry could be the boys’ ticket to better lives. But getting the Clan members to drop everything for music isn’t easy. The resentment between Dennis, Sha, Power and Divine still runs deep, while the other Clan members struggle dealing with inner city life. This time around, Bobby is dedicated to authenticity and though he knows he can lead his crew through the challenges of the music business, the Clan’s fractures may prove too much to overcome.

"I’m just excited all around. I think there’s a lot this season that people can be drawn to," Sanders said. "To be on this show, it’s been everything: collectively, spiritually, artistically, mentally fulfilling." 

When asked whether Sanders would consider venturing into a rapping career of his own: "Stay tuned." 

Premieres Sept. 8 on Hulu. Stars: Ashton Sanders (Bobby/RZA), Shameik Moore (Sha), Siddiq Saunderson (Dennis), Julian Elijah Martinez (Divine), Marcus Callender (Power), Zolee Griggs (Shurrie), T.J. Atoms (Ason), Dave East (Shotgun), Johnell Young (Gary), Erika Alexander (Linda Diggs), Uyoata Udi (Rebel), and Damani Sease (U-God). 

About the writer: Stephanie Weaver is a Los Angeles-based journalist. She is a host of the national streaming show, LiveNOW from FOX, and is a digital reporter for FOX TV. Find her on Facebook and Instagram at @StephWeaverTV.