Amid the recent resurgence of fighting shows and movies, an unexpected challenger has risen to the challenge. Bloodsport, the 1988 martial arts classic starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, is getting a remake at A24, with I May Destroy You director Michaela Coel set to write and helm.
The project will mark the third collaboration between the two parties, following the upcoming mini-series First Day on Earth and psychological drama-thriller film Mother Mary, both of which the filmmaker also stars in. Marc Toberoff and Alberto Lensi are producing, while Stuart Manashil and Peggy DiSalle serve as executive producers.
“I have long been in awe of fighters, and astounded by the discipline, intensity and isolation the sport demands of them,” Coel said. “I am excited to explore this world, especially so with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S F**KING GO.”
Toberoff added, “In 1988, the now-iconic Bloodsport introduced audiences to the gritty aesthetic of mixed martial arts. I look forward to bringing back that high-energy tournament format to the big screen again.”
The news comes after US president Donald Trump was involved in reviving Rush Hour 4 as part of efforts to bring back the “raucuous comedies and action movies” of the late ’80s to late ’90s. No other details were shared about the project, including story specifics, a release date, or cast, and it’s unclear whether Van Damme or any of the original cast will return in any capacity.
Directed by Newt Arnold, Bloodsport centres on a United States Army captain and ninjutsu practitioner who competes in an underground full-contact martial arts tournament in Hong Kong called the Kumite. It became Van Damme’s breakout role and would later spawn three sequels, collectively grossing US$65 million worldwide.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
