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Jean-Claude Van Damme Returning To Martial Arts Roots In Yakuza Action Pic ‘Katana’ For Jeremy Zag & The Veterans — AFM
Jean-Claude Van Damme is set to star in Katana, a Japan-set yakuza action film that will return him to the martial arts genre associated with earlier hits such as Bloodsport and Kickboxer. The story follows a former world champion fighter who is drawn back into combat after his daughter is taken, making the project a new collaboration with filmmaker Jeremy Zag.
Zag, creator of the Miraculous franchise, has written and will direct the film, which is being produced by Division Z with Japan-based Wowow Bridge. Martial arts champions Melsik Baghdasaryan and Cyril Benzaquen are also joining the cast. Filming is scheduled for April to June across Japan, France and Los Angeles, with The Veterans handling international sales and CAA Media Finance representing US rights.
In short
- Van Damme returns to martial arts cinema in Katana.
- The story centres on a father forced to rescue his daughter.
- Filming is planned across three locations from April to June.
Explained simply
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian actor and martial artist who became known for action films built around martial arts, including Bloodsport and Kickboxer. Yakuza are members of organised crime groups in Japan, and films about them often draw on the country’s criminal underworld as a setting.
Jeremy Zag, who created the animated Miraculous franchise, is making his first live-action feature as writer and director. The cast also includes martial arts champions Melsik Baghdasaryan and Cyril Benzaquen.
The project brings Van Damme back to a genre that shaped his early film career. Its production links film companies in Japan and France, while The Veterans is responsible for international sales and CAA Media Finance represents US rights.
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