Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1988 Martial Arts Cult Classic Bloodsport Set for Remake at A24

What happened

A24 is producing a remake of Bloodsport, the 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme martial arts cult classic about an American Army officer fighting in an underground tournament in Honors at Ev">Hong Kong. Michaela Coel, creator of "I May Destroy You," will write and direct the reimagining. This marks Coel's third collaboration with A24 after her previous acclaimed work with the studio.

Why people care

Bloodsport launched Van Damme's career and became a beloved '80s action staple, making any remake automatically controversial among fans. The choice of Michaela Coel—known for cerebral, critically acclaimed drama—to tackle a straightforward martial arts film has Reportedly Said the Buffy Reboot Was Too 'Small' and Had Not Enough Buffy, ">created buzz about how dramatically different this version might be.

The takes

Fans say

This is completely unnecessary tampering with a perfect cult classic that doesn't need improving. Coel's arthouse sensibilities are completely wrong for what should be a straightforward action movie, and no one asked for a intellectual deconstruction of a simple tournament fighter story.

Supporters say

Coel is a brilliant filmmaker who could bring fresh perspective and depth to what was ultimately a fairly shallow '80s action flick. A24's track record suggests they'll honor the source material while elevating it, and Coel's involvement indicates this won't be a lazy cash-grab remake.

Sources