Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Bloodsport is a stone-cold classic, and there have been multiple attempts to remake it, including stalled efforts by directors Philip Noyce and James McTeigue. Last year, we learned A24 was in the process of developing a reimagining of the martial arts flick. Today comes the surprising news that I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel will write and direct Bloodsport as her next film.
“I have long been in awe of fighters, and astounded by the discipline, intensity, and isolation the sport demands of them. I am excited to explore this world, especially so with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S FUCKING GO,” Coel said in an official statement.
Plot details on Coel’s take remain a mystery. The original movie was directed by Newt Arnold, and starred the Van Daminator as Frank Dux, a U.S. Army captain and martial artist who enters a full-contact underground kumite tournament in Hong Kong, where he faces the brutal undefeated champion, Chong Li, played by the great Bolo Yeung. Also in the cast? A young Forest Whitaker and Revenge of the Nerds actor Donald Gibb.
Coel, whose next film is Steven Soderbergh’s The Christophers, has more of an action background than it may seem. She played one of the Dora Milaje in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and appeared in an episode of Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith. She will be seen later this year in David Lowery’s Mother Mary, alongside Anne Hathaway.
The point is, don’t be surprised if Coel takes a role in front of the camera, as well. I’m looking forward to more udpates on this new Bloodsport, and hope Van Damme can be involved in some way, as he was in the recent Kickboxer reboot.
