Michaela Coel to Direct and Write a New Version of A24’s ‘Bloodsport’
Michaela Coel is reuniting with A24 for a third collaboration to write and direct a reimagination of Bloodsport.
Originally released in 1988, Bloodsport propelled Belgian martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme into international stardom. In the film, he portrays American Army officer Frank Dux, whose ninjutsu training prepares him for a confrontation with Chong Li (Bolo Yeung) in the underground martial arts tournament known as the Kumite.
“I have long been in awe of fighters and astounded by the discipline, intensity, and isolation the sport demands of them,” Coel expressed. “I am excited to explore this world, especially so with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S F*CKING GO.”
Marc Toberoff will serve as producer, alongside Alberto Lensi. Stuart Manashil and Peggy DiSalle will act as executive producers for the feature financed and distributed by A24.
Toberoff commented, “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 original Bloodsport led to three sequels without Van Damme: Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite in 1996, Bloodsport III in 1997, and Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite in 1999. Attempts to create a remake were made as recently as 2013, when Relativity sought to develop a version under the direction of James McTeigue, known for V for Vendetta.
Represented by UTA and Maison Two, 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 also feature in A24’s Mother Mary, directed by David Lowery, alongside Anne Hathaway, as well as Stephen Soderbergh’s The Christophers, opposite Ian McKellen. Coel gained acclaim for her work on the HBO series May I Destroy You.
