# Eric Karson, Director of ‘The Octagon’ and Producer of ‘Lionheart,’ Dies at 86

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/eric-karson-director-of-the-octagon-and-producer-of-lionheart-dies-at-86/
- Published: 2026-10-30T13:41:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T14:38:49+00:00
- Original publisher: The Hollywood Reporter
- Original article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/eric-karson-dead-octagon-lionheart-martial-arts-1236743204/
- Topics: Art, Culture

## Key points

- Eric Karson has died aged 86.
- He directed Chuck Norris in *The Octagon*.
- He produced Van Damme’s *Lionheart*.

## Summary

Film director and producer Eric Karson, known for martial-arts films including *The Octagon* and *Lionheart*, has died aged 86. His work helped establish Chuck Norris as an action star and supported Jean-Claude Van Damme’s rise to leading-man status in the United States.

Karson died on 24 August of natural causes while receiving hospice care in Henderson, Nevada, his brother said. He made his feature directing debut with *The Octagon* in 1980, later directed Van Damme in *Black Eagle* and produced *Lionheart* in 1990. He also directed *Angel Town* and *Opposing Force*, and survivors include his wife Tara and siblings Gil, Lisa and Michael.

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