The Afro Ninja is hoping to turn his funny flop into a big hit.
He became an Internet sensation after a clip surfaced online in 2004 showing him trying a back flip and pancaking his face on the floor.
The video's star wasn't some bumbling martial-arts wannabe, but professional stuntman Mark Hicks, who hails from St. Paul, where he graduated from Central High School before heading west 18 years ago. He was simply having a bad day during an audition.
The clip has formed the foundation of a low-budget film that Hicks has produced and starred in called "Afro Ninja: Destiny," about a guy who uses the unfortunate incident as inspiration to strive for better things. You can see the infamous clip and learn more about the new movie at afroninjathemovie.com.
Hicks, who has appeared in films such as "Transformers" and "Rush Hour 2," says he's in negotiations to get "Destiny" distributed, most likely on DVD.
"I've always been an optimist," he said, "and I believe opportunities come in many different forms. Hopefully, this is it."
