Van Damme flexes again: Japan yakuza martial-arts film Katana heads to AFM
By Fuzzy Mushroom · Published
Jean-Claude Van Damme is back in fight-movie mode for Katana, a Japan-set yakuza thriller written and directed by Miraculous creator Jeremy Zag. Deadline broke it, with Collider and JoBlo matching: he plays a retired champion pulled into combat when the yakuza take his daughter, with real fighters including Melsik Baghdasaryan and Cyril Benzaquen, and a shoot lined up for spring 2027 in Japan, France and LA. Zag says he wants Bloodsport power, Taken urgency and John Wick energy in one last great martial-arts film.
One more Kumite for the Muscles from Brussels — or has the fight-movie moment already moved on?
How solid is this story?
Spore Score for the story: 76 (Solid). Status: Confirmed. Trades confirm: Deadline exclusive on AFM sales launch; Zag on-record quotes.
Sources
- Deadline: Jean-Claude Van Damme Returning To Martial Arts Roots In Yakuza Action Pic 'Katana' (4 November 2026)
- Collider: Jean-Claude Van Damme Officially Returns to Martial Arts With New Yakuza Movie (4 November 2026)
- JoBlo: Jean-Claude Van Damme is set to star in Yakuza film Katana (4 November 2026)
Our own summary: we always link to the original reporting. More Spore News · How the Spore Score works