A New "Bloodsport" Film May Be in the Works

A Fresh Kick for a Cult Classic?

Whispers are swirling that A24, the studio behind bold cinematic gems, is gearing up to reimagine the 1988 action staple "Bloodsport." Don’t expect a sequel—this would be a full-on remake, meaning Jean-Claude Van Damme won’t be slipping back into Frank Dux’s gi.

According to The Insneider, A24 is in hot pursuit of the rights to this storied sports franchise. No director, writer, or cast has been named, and the project hasn’t officially kicked off. Its fate hinges on whether A24’s execs can seal the deal with the rights holders.

Known for its daring, near-art-house flair in films like "The Lighthouse" (2019), "Midsommar" (2019), and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022), A24 isn’t likely to churn out a standard punch-’em-up. Expect a bold reworking of the tale, infused with the studio’s signature offbeat verve. They’ve tackled sports dramas before—2023’s "The Iron Claw" dove into the gritty world of wrestler Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron)—so a revamped "Bloodsport" could land some unexpected blows.

The original "Bloodsport" follows Frank Dux, a U.S. officer who goes AWOL to compete in a clandestine martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Trained from childhood by a Japanese shidoshi master, he faces off against fierce fighters while dodging American agents sent to drag him back.

Critics weren’t impressed back in ’88, slapping it with a 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, though, embraced the grit, giving it a 74% fan score. With a lean $1.5 million budget, it raked in $11 million worldwide, spawning a franchise and cementing its status as a cult favorite. Three sequels followed (1996, 1996, 1999), but Van Damme only starred in the first.

If A24 lands this one, brace for a "Bloodsport" that’s less about nostalgia and more about a daring new fight.