Richard Roundtree: The Unforgettable Hero of 'Shaft'

Article Summary

Richard Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft broke barriers and established him as an iconic Black hero in American cinema, resonating with both Black and white audiences alike.

Shaft's success spawned numerous sequels and established a lasting legacy that extended well into the 21st century, even seeing a reboot with Samuel L. Jackson assuming the lead role. Despite a decline in popularity, Shaft continues to hold a significant position in the world of film.

The impact of Shaft reached far beyond the confines of the screen, as it brought Black culture to the forefront on a national scale, effectively challenging and redefining stereotypes. It served as a catalyst for more Black artists and performers to share their own narratives, thus broadening the range of Black stories depicted in American cinema.

In a time when major studios in the American film industry rarely showcased Black artists and performers, Gordon Parks, a photojournalist and documentarian, took it upon himself to adapt Ernest Tidyman's detective novel into a film known as Shaft. Released in 1971, this groundbreaking film featured Richard Roundtree as the iconic detective and, despite receiving mixed reviews initially, resonated with diverse audiences, solidifying Roundtree's status as an American cinema icon. With the Blaxploitation genre still in its early stages, filmmakers like Melvin Van Peebles and Ossie Davis had already begun establishing this style as a popular choice among Black filmmakers.

Shaft, one of the earliest examples of this genre, immediately left a profound impact on pop culture. Its numerous sequels and strong influence on future filmmakers cemented its place as one of the most significant films of the early 1970s. Moreover, Shaft served as a pivotal moment in increasing Black cultural visibility in the media. Richard Roundtree's successful career further underscores the defining impact of Shaft on American cinema and highlights the progress that has been made in terms of the stories being told and the voices behind them on the big screen.

Image via MGMShaft

A crime lord hires Black private eye, John Shaft, to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.

Richard Roundtree Became America's Premiere Black Hero

Shaft, released in 1971, featured Richard Roundtree in a groundbreaking role as a confident and determined Black private eye. While well-known actors like Sidney Poitier and Henry Belafonte had already made their mark in cinema, Roundtree's portrayal offered a refreshing and significant representation for Black audiences. As future generations turned to popular figures like Batman and Spider-Man for their onscreen heroes, Richard Roundtree's Shaft became a cherished symbol of inspiration for Black viewers.

Rumors suggest that the character Shaft was initially intended to be portrayed by a white actor in the film adaptation. However, it is uncertain whether this claim is true, as it primarily stems from a statement made by Melvin Van Peebles, whose film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song supposedly influenced the rewriting of Shaft as a Black character. Nevertheless, it should be noted that Shaft was already in the production stage when Van Peebles' film was released, casting doubt on his assertion. Additionally, Shaft was originally based on a novel about a Black detective, further challenging the idea that a white actor was initially considered.

What has been confirmed is that Gordon Parks played a crucial role in the casting of Richard Roundtree as Shaft. Roundtree recalls meeting with Parks, who showed him a newspaper clipping featuring Roundtree as a model. Unaware that he was speaking to Roundtree himself, Parks expressed that they were searching for someone similar to the person in the photo. Following a series of auditions, Roundtree successfully secured the role, impressing the casting team with his stylish persona, action skills, and confident demeanor. The character Shaft became iconic for his distinct costume comprised of a leather trench coat and turtlenecks, which perfectly matched Roundtree's bold fashion taste, reflecting his equally daring personality.

With 'Shaft,' Gordon Parks Spawned a Decades-Long Media Franchise

Despite being a fresh face in Black cinema, Shaft brings a refreshing touch to the screen as a charismatic and fearless character. He fearlessly challenges others and maintains a direct approach in all his interactions. Roundtree's commanding presence captivates the audience in every scene, establishing himself as the gravitational force that the entire film revolves around right from his very first appearance.

Shaft's popularity and financial success led to the creation of multiple sequels. In the following year, director Parks returned to helm "Shaft's Big Score" and composed the score himself. While not as successful as the original, another sequel titled "Shaft in Africa" was released in 1973. However, the third film performed poorly at the box office, leading MGM Studios to withdraw from continuing the franchise. The rights were then sold to CBS, resulting in a television series that received low ratings and was cancelled after only seven episodes. Despite the setback, Roundtree retired the character but Shaft's legacy endured.

In the 21st century, a reboot of Shaft was produced starring Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by John Singleton and released in 2000, the reboot served as a loose sequel to the original film. Jackson portrayed the nephew of the original Shaft, sharing the same name and profession. In 2019, a third film directed by Tim Story was released, also titled "Shaft." This entry retconned the family relationship, establishing Jessie T. Usher as Jackson's son. Jackson's character was reimagined as Roundtree's son rather than his nephew, despite initial reluctance from Roundtree due to his disapproval of the unsuccessful television series that ended his previous tenure as Shaft.

Singleton's film, despite diminishing returns, proved to be a worthy sequel to the original. The 2019 follow-up respects Roundtree's legacy by featuring all three Shafts on-screen together, partially justifying the lackluster final installment in the trilogy. Although none of the subsequent films could match Parks' original in quality, Roundtree's continued involvement established Shaft as an iconic film character. While he may not possess superpowers or vibrant costumes, Shaft holds a place of significance comparable to popular superhero figures.

While detective novels have long been a fruitful source for film adaptations, Shaft has become so prevalent in cinemas over the past five decades that it stands independent from its source material. It is worth acknowledging that Tidyman, the original author, did collaborate on the screenplay alongside John D. F. Black. Nevertheless, Shaft's cultural significance is not as closely tied to the books as characters like Philip Marlowe, who remains strongly associated with Raymond Chandler despite multiple film adaptations. Richard Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft is what truly propelled the character into a broader cultural conversation, forever linking the two inextricably.

'Shaft' Broke Barriers For Cast, Crew, and American Culture at Large

Richard Roundtree's legacy and the success of Shaft had a profound impact on the film industry. Not only did Isaac Hayes become the first Black film composer to win an Academy Award with his iconic "Theme from Shaft," but the song itself achieved enormous success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning two Grammy Awards. The significance of Hayes' win cannot be overstated, as it marked a historic moment and paved the way for future recognition of Black artists in the industry.

Beyond his involvement with Shaft, Gordon Parks' influence in media extended far and wide. Before entering filmmaking, he had a distinguished career in photojournalism, particularly in documenting the Civil Rights movement. His close relationships with figures from this era, including his godparent role to Malcolm X's child, showcased his commitment to social change. Parks' own child, Gordon Parks Jr., also left his mark on the film industry with the notable Blaxploitation film Superfly, featuring Ron O'Neal. This film, much like Shaft, left an enduring impact and was even remade in 2018.

The warm reception ensured ongoing success for Roundtree, Hayes, Parks, and others involved in the production. However, the impact of Shaft went beyond its own success. It was one of the first major American films that directly spoke to Black audiences. The film showcased elements of Black culture such as fashion, music, and language, which were already present within Black communities. Now, these cultural elements were being showcased on a national stage, delighting audiences who saw their own culture reflected on screen. Additionally, white viewers were exposed to aspects of Black culture that they may have never seen before. Shaft challenged and debunked stereotypes about Black culture held by general audiences. This influenced the Blaxploitation genre and had a wider impact on American culture. Shaft was undeniably cool, and its appeal transcended demographic differences that could have hampered its success.

Shaft not only epitomized pop filmmaking but also played a significant role in a media revolution. It marked the beginning of opportunities for Black artists and performers who had been marginalized and exploited by an industry that favored their talents while limiting their creative independence within a narrow and outdated system. Shaft, along with other similar films, empowered individuals like Parks and Roundtree to share their own narratives, leading to a strong connection with audiences.

Richard Roundtree's impact as a film hero extended far beyond his work onscreen. His legacy not only includes his own achievements, but also the profound influence he had on the film industry in the years following the release of Shaft. The Blaxploitation era, which emerged over fifty years ago with Shaft as its trailblazer, helped bring talented stars like Pam Grier into the spotlight. As time went on, more diverse voices, such as Spike Lee and John Singleton, entered the film industry, broadening the range of Black stories portrayed onscreen. In recent times, Blaxploitation has evolved to take on new forms. Independent cinema, championed by filmmakers like Barry Jenkins, Ava DuVernay, Ryan Coogler, and Boots Riley, continues to thrive. These talented individuals use various genres and styles to tell captivating stories, whether it be by addressing sociopolitical issues in thought-provoking ways or by providing purely entertaining experiences that have become integral parts of modern pop culture. The artistic opportunities available to these filmmakers were constructed by the Black cinema pioneers, with none being as bold and badass as Richard Roundtree's Shaft.

You can now rent Shaft on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have a great appreciation for the groundbreaking film "Shaft" and the iconic performance of Richard Roundtree as the title character. Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft shattered stereotypes and established a new standard for Black heroes in American cinema. His charisma, style, and unwavering determination made Shaft a beloved figure for audiences of all backgrounds.

The impact of "Shaft" extended far beyond the box office. The film's success helped to usher in the Blaxploitation genre, which provided a platform for Black actors, directors, and writers to tell their own stories. "Shaft" also played a crucial role in changing the way Black people were represented in mainstream media. It showed that Black heroes could be complex, flawed, and still worthy of admiration.

I am proud to be a Gen Z fan of "Shaft" and the legacy it created. The film's message of empowerment and self-determination is still relevant today, and it continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists.