There’s good news and bad news today for Kickboxer fans. Unfortunately, previously-announced star Tony Jaa (Ong-bak, Furious 7) has dropped out of the upcoming reboot. Replacing him, however, is none other than original Kickboxer star Jean-Claude Van Damme! JCVD will play an updated version of the original film’s Master Chow.
Directed by John Stockwell (Cat Run), the new Kickboxer follows Eric and Kurt Sloan, descendants of a well-known Venice, California-based family of martial artists. Kurt has always been in older brother, Eric’s shadow, as he lacks the instincts needed to become a champion. But when Kurt witnesses the merciless murder of his brother at the hands of Muay Thai champion Tong Po, he vows revenge. He trains with his brother’s mentor, Xian Chow, for a Muay Thai fight to the death with Tong Po. Chow first thinks Kurt impossible to train, but through a series of spiritual exercises and tests, Chow discovers that Kurt has a deeper strength that will carry him through his final showdown with Tong Po.
Also set to star Alain Moussi (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) and George St. Pierre (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Kickboxer is produced by Ted Field of Radar Films, Dimitri Logthetis and Nick Celozzi. Mike Weber and Peter Meyer are executive producing.
“We are so excited to have ‘Kickboxer’ roll into production and to have JCVD in the role of Master Chow, passing the torch to Alain, to have him lead the franchise to a new generation ” said Field. “Audiences better get ready for this incredible reboot. The action is going to be non-stop with never-before seen stunts. Simply put, ‘Kickboxer’ will kick-ass!”
The remake of the 1989 cult classic, Kickboxer started production this week. The film is shooting in New Orleans, Louisiana and Thailand.
We’ve also got our hands on an advance poster for the Kickboxer, which you can check out below:
