Michaela Coel to Remake Jean-Claude Van Damme's 'Bloodsport' for A24

Mar 18, 2026 7:00am PT Michaela Coel to Remake Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Martial Arts Film ‘Bloodsport’ for A24 By Rebecca Rubin Plus Icon Rebecca Rubin Senior Film and Media Reporter rebeccaarubin Latest ‘Minions & Monsters’ Voice Cast: Jeff Bridges, Jesse Eisenberg and Allison Janney to Lead ‘Despicable Me’ Spinoff 2 days ago Michael B. Jordan Wins the Oscar and Shouts Out Denzel Washington, Halle Berry and More: ‘I Stand Here Because of the People Who Came Before Me’ 2 days ago Oscars Surprise: Live-Action Short Results in Seventh Tie in Academy Awards’ History 3 days ago See All “I May Destroy You” creator Michaela Coel is writing and directing a remake of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s martial arts classic “Bloodsport” for A24. Van Damme starred in 1988’s “Bloodsport,” which was directed by Newt Arnold and centered on a U.S. army captain and ninjutsu practitioner who competes in an underground full-contact martial arts tournament in Hong Kong. Plot details for Coel’s reimagining haven’t been revealed, so it’s unclear how closely her take will follow the original film. Related Stories 'Dorohedoro' Season 2 Trailer Drops, Cross-Eyes Voice Cast Revealed “I have long been in awe of fighters, and astounded by the discipline, intensity and isolation the sport demands of them,” Coel said. I am excited to explore this world, especially so with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S FUCKING GO.” Popular on Variety Coel is best-known for creating and starring in the Emmy-winning “I May Destroy You” and the British sitcom “Chewing Gum.” She has also appeared on “Black Mirror” and in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” This film marks her third collaboration with A24 following the miniseries “First Day on Earth” and “Mother Mary.” She wrote, executive produced, co-directed and stars in “First Day on Earth,” which is currently in production. “Mother Mary,” a psycho-thriller led by Anne Hathaway and Hunter Schafer, is slated to release in theaters on April 17. A24 will finance and distribute the “Bloodsport” remake. Marc Toberoff, whom Vanity Fair once described as “Elon Musk’s Hollywood-loving lawyer,” will produce. Alberto Lensi will also serve as a producer. Stuart Manashil and Peggy DiSalle will serve as executive producers. “In 1988, the now-iconic ‘Bloodsport’ introduced audiences to the gritty aesthetic of mixed martial arts,” said Toberoff. “I look forward to bringing back that high-energy tournament format to the big screen again.” Jump to Comments Oscars 2026 Presenters: Anne Hathaway, Paul Mescal, Robert Downey Jr. and More Join Star-Studded Lineup Warner Bros’ $30 Million Oscars Race: How ‘Sinners’ and ‘One Battle After Another’ Are Campaigning at the Same Studio Sean Penn Becomes Fourth Male Actor to Win Three Oscars; ‘He Couldn’t Be Here This Evening or Didn’t Want To,’ Says Presenter Kieran Culkin How BAFTA’s Embrace of ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners,’ Plus Snubs and New AMPAS Viewing Requirements, Could Decide the Oscars David Furnish on Elton John Oscar Party, Using Drones to Help Treat People With HIV and the Rocket Man’s Health: ‘He’s Keeping Busy and Moving Forward’ Why Supporting Actor and Actress Could Deliver Oscar Night’s Biggest Surprises JavaScript is required to load the comments. Loading comments...