One-time pro mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Dave Bautista, perhaps best known for his run in WWE as “Batista,” is returning to the big screen as “Tong Po” in the upcoming Kickboxer reboot titled Kickboxer: “Vengeance,” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, as well as UFC stars Georges St-Pierre and Cain Velasquez, among others.
RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) recently acquired all U.S. rights to the chop-socky film, which is expected to hit theaters and On Demand later this year.
“Fans of Jean-Claude Van Damme have been waiting for a long time for this reboot of the Kickboxer franchise,” said RLJ Entertainment’s Chief Acquisitions Officer Mark Ward. “The film delivers more action and an amazing ensemble of fighters from Dave Bautista to George St-Pierre to Cain Velasquez and Gina Carano. Fans will not be disappointed.”
Much like the first film, released way back in 1989, Kickboxer: “Vengeance” follows the story of Kurt Sloane (Alain Moussi), who travels to Thailand to avenge the death of his brother at the hands of Po. Sloane must train with legendary Master Durand (Van Damme) before his final confrontation with Po.
To the death!
For much more on the release of Kickboxer: “Vengeance” click here.