Jean-Claude Van Damme is returning to martial arts Action in Katana, a Japan-set film about a former world champion fighter forced to confront his past after his daughter is taken by the yakuza. Producer, writer and director Jeremy Zag is behind the project, which The Veterans is presenting to international buyers ahead of the American Film Market (AFM).
The story follows the fighter, now a father who has left his darker past behind, as he journeys back into combat to rescue his daughter. Van Damme will be joined by Armenian MMA fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan and French Muay Thai and kickboxing champion Cyril Benzaquen.
Zag, known for creating the Miraculous franchise, has written the screenplay and will direct. The film is being produced by his company Division Z in partnership with Japan-based Wowow Bridge, which supports international productions filming in Japan.
Filming is scheduled for April, May and June 2027 in Japan, France and Los Angeles. The Veterans is handling international rights and plans to present a sizzle reel and the screenplay to AFM buyers, while CAA Media Finance represents U.S. rights.
Zag and Van Damme have discussed working together for years. Their previously announced project, What’s My Name?, was revealed in 2022 and appears to have developed into Katana. Zag said his shared background in martial arts helped build trust between them, and described the film as a tribute to martial arts cinema and Van Damme’s influence.
Sources: Deadline.