This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2013/jul/25/jean-claude-van-damme-reboot

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Jean-Claude Van Damme double set for Hollywood reboot Jean-Claude Van Damme double set for Hollywood reboot
(2 months later)
What goes around, comes around. With the man himself consigned to showboating cameos in The Expendables 2 and straight to DVD action flicks, the early films of Jean-Claude Van Damme are now deemed cultish enough to warrant reboots. The films in question are Bloodsport, from 1988, and 1989's Kickboxer; they made Jean-Claude Van Damme's name, and established the Muscles from Brussels as a major force in martial-arts cinema, and are now due to remade in the near future.What goes around, comes around. With the man himself consigned to showboating cameos in The Expendables 2 and straight to DVD action flicks, the early films of Jean-Claude Van Damme are now deemed cultish enough to warrant reboots. The films in question are Bloodsport, from 1988, and 1989's Kickboxer; they made Jean-Claude Van Damme's name, and established the Muscles from Brussels as a major force in martial-arts cinema, and are now due to remade in the near future.
Of the two projects, Bloodsport looks likely to have the higher profile, as it will be backed by Hollywood powerhouse Relativity, with veteran producer Ed Pressman (American Psycho, The Crow) on board and V for Vendetta's James McTeigue attached to direct. The original – which showcased characteristic Van Damme moves such as split-kicking and helicopter jumps – has Van Damme as an US martial artist taking part in an illicit "kumite" tournament in Hong Kong. The remake, however, will apparently focus largely on the Brazilian martial art of vale tudo. No performers have yet been announced.Of the two projects, Bloodsport looks likely to have the higher profile, as it will be backed by Hollywood powerhouse Relativity, with veteran producer Ed Pressman (American Psycho, The Crow) on board and V for Vendetta's James McTeigue attached to direct. The original – which showcased characteristic Van Damme moves such as split-kicking and helicopter jumps – has Van Damme as an US martial artist taking part in an illicit "kumite" tournament in Hong Kong. The remake, however, will apparently focus largely on the Brazilian martial art of vale tudo. No performers have yet been announced.
The Kickboxer update is to be produced by Spring Breakers/Last Samurai outfit Radar Pictures, who have hired Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Fung (best known for Tai Chi Zero) to oversee. In the 1989 original, Van Damme plays an American who masters Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to defeat the villainous fighter who paralysed his brother.The Kickboxer update is to be produced by Spring Breakers/Last Samurai outfit Radar Pictures, who have hired Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Fung (best known for Tai Chi Zero) to oversee. In the 1989 original, Van Damme plays an American who masters Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to defeat the villainous fighter who paralysed his brother.
In recent years Van Dammes has attempted to branch out from his action-adventure comfort zone, appearing in the self-referential 2008 crime drama JCVD and the British comedy UFO, but he will soon be seen on more familiar turf in the third Expendables film.In recent years Van Dammes has attempted to branch out from his action-adventure comfort zone, appearing in the self-referential 2008 crime drama JCVD and the British comedy UFO, but he will soon be seen on more familiar turf in the third Expendables film.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.