Michaela Coel to write and direct Bloodsport remake for A24

Eleven months ago, word spread that production and distribution company A24 was in negotiations for the remake rights to the classic 1988 martial arts tournament movie Bloodsport. Now, A24 has confirmed that those rights are in their hands – and The Hollywood Reporter has broken the news that they’ve hired Michaela Coel, the BAFTA-winning creator of the TV series I May Destroy You, to write and direct the remake.

History

Cannon Films weren’t satisfied with the original Bloodsport, but when they reluctantly sent it out into the world in 1988 it proved to be a big hit, launching Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career as an action hero. The film was followed by three sequels, none of which starred Van Damme – and for the last couple of decades, there have been rumblings about a revival.

Twenty years ago, Bloodsport co-writer Sheldon Lettich tried to get a film called Bloodsport: A New Beginning off the ground, but the project fell apart. In 2011, Phillip Noyce (Dead Calm) was attached to direct a “reinvention,” working from a screenplay by The Karate Kid creator Robert Mark Kamen. In 2013, James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) replaced Noyce at the helm. The project never made it into production. In 2019, there was a rumor that John Wick directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski were considering making a Bloodsport remake.

Now, we’re getting a Bloodsport remake from A24 and Michaela Coel.

Producers

Entertainment lawyer Marc Toberoff is a producer on the project, which is often the case when rights issues had to be ironed out. His other producing credits include the It’s Alive remake, Piranha 3D, the Hellraiser reboot, the Fantasy Island horror movie, A Christmas Story Christmas, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the recent Predator movies, and the upcoming Friday the 13th TV series, Crystal Lake. (Which is another collaboration with A24.)

Stuart Manashil and Peggy DiSalle serve as executive producers.

Statements

Coel provided the following statement: “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.“

Toberoff added, “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.“

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