Warrior is an American Martial Arts Crime Drama, based on an original concept and treatment by Bruce Lee, and is executive produced by his daughter Shannon Lee.

It’s set during the Tong Wars in the late 1870’s in San Francisco.

The Tong Wars were a series of violent disputes among rival Chinese Tong factions centred in the Chinatowns of various American cities, specifically San Francisco.

The series follows Ah Sahm, a martial arts wonder-kid who emigrates from China in search of his sister, only to find out, she’s been sold to one of the most powerful Tongs in Chinatown.

South African actor, Nat Ramabulana, plays “Happy Jack” the African American leader of a drug trafficking ring on the Barbary Coast who enters a partnership with Young Jun and Ah Sahm.

Isaac, the ruthless lieutenant and “Happy Jack’s” right hand man, is played by Sizo Mahlangu. He is wary of “Happy Jack’s” dealings with the Hop Wei and doesn’t mince words when it comes to the Tongs.

We checked in with Sizo and asked him a few questions around the process of building the character, Isaac.

Q: What was the first thing you did after you got the call from your agent?

A: I’ve been a fan of Warrior since its first Season. After learning the news my first reaction was to jump around in excitement. I then began to imagine the character, imagine what world they come from and would live in. I re-watched the show imagining myself within it.  Once we received the script, I went to the library and began to research the history of the Tong wars. It was fascinating to discover to events that led up to the forming of the Tongs.  Furthermore, the historical significance and role they still play today.

After receiving a call confirming a job, the most exciting part for me is diving into the character. Keeping a diary as the character and changing or adjusting certain activities or chores to help further explore “the created world” of the character.

Q: Did you have previous knowledge on the Tong Wars and what can you tell us about the time when terror rained in San Francisco?

A: I am familiar with films pertaining to the story of the Tong wars, I was also a fan of the show prior to working on it. Working on this gave me the opportunity to have a much deeper and informed research regarding the events that led up to the forming of the tongs.

Q: What was your favourite thing about stepping back in time and doing a period piece?

A: Growing up I always enjoyed the ability of the cinema to transport one back into a world that used to exist or could exist in the future. The magic of the cinema is that everything is possible. The movies always inspired the games we played as kids, and we could be anything because the movies told us we could be anything. Getting the chance to be in a period piece gives you the opportunity to really be there. After working on the Warrior set, I understood why it all looked so real when watching it at home. Every detail you see is lovingly recreated to produce an authentic experience. I couldn’t help but say: “Wow! It’s just like the movies!”

Having to learn what the people ate or wore in that time are all important tools with regards to being in the true mindset of the period.

I would say my favourite moment was while shooting I walked through a fully dressed set of Chinatown, the extras, the costumes, the action in the street. It felt so real when you looked around all you could see was 1870s, Chinatown San Francisco. That was probably the closest experience to actually being there.

Q: Describe your character, Isaac?

A: In the world where only the strongest survive, and the most ruthless succeed. Isaac understands this world. He is a foreigner in it too and understands that this provides its onset of obstacles, this then becomes his mission to overcome this and create a life for himself by becoming Happy Jack’s right hand man. He is a complicated and conflicted character, he is fiercely loyal, and will protect and avenge his enemies; especially those who come again the gang. His personal ambitions are beyond his current appointed role. This is in sight, and nothing can halt his plans…?

Q: This was a physically demanding role, tell us what your routine was to keep up with the physicality of the role?

A: I train three days a week. I go to gym an additional two times a week. I work out one to two hours a day. Most importantly I meditate, first thing in the morning and before filming a scene.

Warrior Season 3 , premiered on MAX on June 29, 2023, and is available to stream locally on Showmax.

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