A24 is often recognized for the bold and original projects released under their label. In more recent years, however, A24 has been eager to compete with other mainstream studios, having notably attached themselves to a Friday the 13th television series titled Crystal Lake. Now A24 seems to have set their sights on remaking a cult classic 80s movie.
The 1980s have been a popular decade for mining IPs to turn into modern-day films and shows. As such, A24 seems to be readily doing their part to enter the game. According to a new report, A24 is currently negotiating to remake a cult classic 80s movie that was released in 1988.
This particular film wasn’t a complete success during its initial release, at least as far as critical reviews go, but it continued to reach an audience until it made a massive smash at the box office. The film spawned a series of sequels after grossing $50 million on a budget between $1.5 and 2.3 million.
The film is none other than Bloodsport, first released by Cannon Films. The report comes from Jeff Sneider. The American martial arts film was directed by Newt Arnold from a screenplay by Christopher Cosby, Mel Friedman, and Sheldon Lettich. It launched the career of Jean-Claude Van Damme in addition to creating its own franchise, and as a result of the overall success, it helped rejuvenate the martial arts genre at the box office.
Over time, however, the Bloodsport franchise and its success eventually slowed down. While Bloodsport is still a popular title, it’s also ripe for the reboot treatment, and so it makes sense that A24 would want the property for the purpose of remaking the original film. Though we’ll have to wait and see how these alleged negotiations play out.
Their plans now are said to include a desire to “completely reboot” Bloodsport, with an “elevated” action director and “hot young actor” to play the lead. All of this to achieve their ultimate goal “to rival the action and drama of the real UFC.”
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding A24 and their potential plans for remaking Bloodsport as we have them. In the meantime, fans of the franchise could see the popular 1988 classic reimagined for fans both old and new, and no doubt in an interesting way if A24 gets behind the project.