Jean-Claude Van Damme Returns to Martial Arts in Katana Action Film

Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme is returning to martial arts cinema to play a former world champion fighter in the upcoming action-thriller Katana, Deadline reported. Writer-director Jeremy Zag is steering the Japanese-set project, which features Van Damme as a father who has left behind a dark past and is forced to make one more journey into combat when his daughter is taken by the yakuza in Japan.

Zag, creator of the Miraculous animated film and TV franchise, noted a personal connection to the star. Jean-Claude Van Damme made me want to walk into a dojo, Zag said. He added that after 30 years of practicing Kyokushin karate at an elite level, directing Van Damme is a lifelong dream. The filmmaker stated an ambition to blend the power of Bloodsport, the urgency of Taken, and the energy of John Wick into a deeply human story.

Production Begins in April 2027 with Real Fighters

Production for Katana is scheduled to begin in April 2027, with further cast additions planned ahead of the start date. Alongside Van Damme, the confirmed cast features Armenian mixed martial arts fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan and French Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Cyril Benzaquen.

Zag emphasized that the production is assembling real fighters and champions from around the world across different generations. For years, Jean-Claude hadn’t wanted to return to this kind of cinema, Zag said. He has placed his trust in me because we speak the same language as martial artists and share a deep understanding of combat. Together, we want to make one last great martial arts film: a celebration of everything we love about this cinema, and a tribute to an icon who inspired us all.

Director’s Vision

Detailing his creative approach for the Katana project, Zag described a narrative centered on a father entering Japan’s criminal underworld to save his child, where his experience serves as his strength. I want audiences to feel every impact, every breath and the love that keeps him fighting, the director said.