Michaela Coel to Direct and Write ‘Bloodsport’ Remake for A24

Last year, The InSneider reported that A24 wanted to get in on the blockbuster business. With “Death Stranding,” “Elden Ring,” and “Barney” already in the works, the indie studio has acquired another IP—they are going to remake JCVD’s “Bloodsport.”

Michaela Coel is re-teaming with A24 for a second time, after starring in their upcoming “Mother Mary,” and will write and direct the “Bloodsport” remake.

Is this really a good fit? Coel has most notably directed episodes of her acclaimed series “I May Destroy You,” which she also created, wrote, and starred in. Before that, she directed episodes of her breakout comedy series “Chewing Gum.” She seems an odd fit to reboot “Bloodsport,” which tells me this must be a total reimagining of the original. Maybe there will even be a female lead.

Coel’s statement: “I have long been in awe of fighters and astounded by the discipline, intensity, and isolation the sport demands of them. I am excited to explore this world, especially with A24 as my collaborators. LET’S F*CKING GO.”

“Bloodsport” starred Jean-Claude Van Damme as U.S. Army Captain Frank Dux, who discovers an underground martial arts tournament in Hong Kong called the Kumite, featuring the world’s greatest fighters. He believes he can contend with the best of them.

A24 plans to completely reboot the IP, so don’t expect Van Damme to take part in any way. The studio originally planned to attach an “elevated” action director who fits their brand—Coel is clearly not that. They are, however, looking to cast a young actor to take on the role made famous by JCVD, who was just 27 when he starred in “Bloodsport.”