Jean-Claude Van Damme is all set to return to his martial arts roots. In his upcoming Japan-set Yakuza thriller Katana, the martial artist and actor will once again pull off iconic fighting moves on the big screen.
As reported by Deadline, Katana “centers on a former world champion fighter, now a father, who has left behind a dark past. He is forced to make one more journey into combat when his daughter is taken by the yakuza in Japan.”
Mastermind Jeremy Zag, the French producer, writer, and director behind the hit Miraculous franchise, is writing and directing Katana. Martial arts champions, including Armenian MMA fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan and French Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Cyril Benzaquen, will also join Van Damme.
According to Zag, “Jean-Claude Van Damme made me want to walk into a dojo. After thirty years of practicing Kyokushin karate at an elite level, directing him in Katana is a lifelong dream come true. I want to bring together the power of Bloodsport, the urgency of Taken, and the energy of John Wick in a deeply human story: a father entering Japan’s criminal underworld to save his daughter. His experience is his strength. I want audiences to feel every impact, every breath, and the love that keeps him fighting.”
The Veterans is launching Katana for sales ahead of the AFM, while Division Z is producing in partnership with Japan-based Wowow Bridge. Filming is reportedly scheduled in April, May, and June 2027 across Japan, France, and Los Angeles.
What other martial arts movies has Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in?
Over the years, the Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme has appeared in numerous martial arts movies. The list includes Bloodsport, Kickboxer, Lionheart/A.W.O.L., Double Impact, Death Warrant, The Quest, No Retreat, No Surrender, Black Eagle, and Kickboxer: Vengeance and Kickboxer: Retaliation.
Van Damme has also starred in sci-fi and hybrid action films featuring heavy martial arts, like Universal Soldier, Universal Soldier: Regeneration, Cyborg, Timecop, Street Fighter, and Hard Target.
As Zag emphasized in his statement, “For years, Jean-Claude hadn’t wanted to return to this kind of cinema. He has placed his trust in me because we speak the same language as martial artists and share a deep understanding of combat. Together, we want to make one last great martial arts film: a celebration of everything we love about this cinema, and a tribute to an icon who inspired us all.”
Katana still doesn’t have an official release date.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
