Jean-Claude Van Damme is set to star in Katana, a forthcoming action thriller from French filmmaker Jeremy Zag, with filming scheduled to take place in Japan, France and Los Angeles in spring 2027.
The film centres on a former world champion fighter who has left his violent past behind to raise his daughter. When she is abducted by the yakuza in Japan, he is forced to return to combat in an attempt to rescue her.
Van Damme will be joined by Armenian MMA fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan and French Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Cyril Benzaquen. The production is being overseen by Zag’s Division Z in partnership with Japan-based Wowow Bridge, whose previous credits include HBO Max series Tokyo Vice.
Zag, who created the Miraculous franchise, has written and will direct the film. A longtime Kyokushin karate practitioner, he said: “Jean-Claude Van Damme made me want to walk into a dojo. After thirty years of practicing Kyokushin karate at an elite level, directing him in Katana is a lifelong dream come true. I want to bring together the power of Bloodsport, the urgency of Taken and the energy of John Wick in a deeply human story: a father entering Japan’s criminal underworld to save his daughter. His experience is his strength. I want audiences to feel every impact, every breath, and the love that keeps him fighting.”
He also discussed the influence of Japanese culture and animation on the project, adding: “My passion for Japanese anime helped inspire Miraculous. With Katana, I’m bringing that passion into a different universe, drawing on Japan’s extraordinary beauty, darkness and martial traditions to create a spectacular adventure for a worldwide audience. The samurai’s code of honor and the beauty and intensity of katana combat are central to that vision.”
Zag added: “Alongside Jean-Claude, we’re bringing together real fighters and champions from around the world, men and women from different generations. For years, Jean-Claude hadn’t wanted to return to this kind of cinema. 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.”
The Veterans is handling international sales and will present a sizzle reel and screenplay to potential buyers at the American Film Market (AFM). CAA Media Finance is representing US rights.
