Michael Jai White Joins Martial Arts Feature 'Paper Made', Filming Underway

The martial arts veteran will also serve as an executive producer on the film set at a fictional HBCU.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Actor Michael Jai White has joined the cast of the upcoming martial arts feature film 'Paper Made', which is currently in production in Tampa, Florida. White, known for roles in 'Spawn' and 'The Dark Knight', will play a key role in the film that follows a student who joins a secret fraternity of Black martial artists after a hazing incident at a fictional historically Black college or university (HBCU). The ensemble cast also includes several other martial arts and wrestling stars.

Why it matters

Michael Jai White's involvement as both a lead actor and executive producer brings significant star power and martial arts expertise to the project, which aims to showcase diverse talent and stories within the martial arts film genre. The setting of a fictional HBCU also provides a unique backdrop for the narrative.

The details

In addition to White, the cast of 'Paper Made' includes Truitt, Taimak ('The Last Dragon'), Walter E. Jones ('Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'), Quartay DeNaya ('Pizza Guys Vs Vampires'), wrestler Daria Rae Berenato, Marrese Crump, Jaden Lucas Miller ('Beyond The Gates'), Zephaniah Terry ('Ruthless'), wrestler Jamara Garrett (aka Mara Sadé), stuntman and martial artist Sam Lee Herring ('Back In Action'), and martial artist Jair Muhammad. The script was co-written by director Ryan Watson and Jerron Horton ('Forever').

  • Filming for 'Paper Made' is currently underway in Tampa, Florida.

The players

Michael Jai White

An American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Spawn' and 'The Dark Knight', as well as his martial arts expertise. He will play a key role in 'Paper Made' and also serve as an executive producer on the project.

Ryan Watson

The writer and director of 'Paper Made', a martial arts feature film set at a fictional HBCU.

Jerron Horton

The co-writer of the 'Paper Made' script, alongside director Ryan Watson.

Truitt

The lead actor in 'Paper Made', playing a student who joins a secret fraternity of Black martial artists.

Taimak

An actor known for his role in the martial arts film 'The Last Dragon', who has joined the cast of 'Paper Made'.

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The takeaway

The production of 'Paper Made' represents an opportunity to highlight diverse stories and talent within the martial arts film genre, with the involvement of established stars like Michael Jai White and the setting of a fictional HBCU providing a unique backdrop for the narrative.