Michaela Coel is reteaming with A24 for a third time and will write and direct a reimagination of Bloodsport.
The original Bloodsport, released in 1988, launched Belgian martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme into a global name. In that movie, he played American Army officer Frank Dux, whose training in the art of ninjutsu helps him battle Chong Li (Bolo Yeung) in the underground Hong Kong tournament known as the Kumite.
Beamed Coel, “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 F*CKING GO.”
Marc Toberoff will produce. Alberto Lensi will also serve as a producer. Stuart Manashil and Peggy DiSalle will serve as EPs on the A24 financed and distributed feature.
Added Toberoff: “In 1988, the now-iconic Bloodsport introduced audiences to the gritty aesthetic of mixed martial arts, and I look forward to bringing back that high-energy tournament format to the big screen again.”
The first Bloodsport spawned three sequels sans Van Damme: 1996’s Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite, 1997’s Bloodsport III and 1999’s Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite. Remakes were attempted as recently as 2013 with Relativity trying to get a version off the ground with V for Vendetta director James McTeigue.
The UTA and Maison Two repped Coel is currently in production on the A24/HBO/BBC mini-series, First Day on Earth which she wrote, executive produces, co-directs, and stars in. She will soon be seen in A24’s Mother Mary, directed by David Lowery, starring opposite Anne Hathaway, and Stephen Soderbergh’s The Christophers opposite Ian McKellen. Coel also directed and created the HBO series May I Destroy You.