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This. Just. Happened. While I was sound asleep last night, one of the biggest casting announcements of the year so far hit like a Guyver Kick from Yuri Boyka. I say this as a hint as to who was cast in one of the most anticipated films set to be filmed in 2024.
THR has just brought the word that action superstar Scott Adkins has been cast as the heavy in the final film of the Kickboxer reboot franchise. Titled Kickboxer: Armageddon, Adkins will play the antagonist to series star Alain Moussi’s Kurt Sloan who returns setting up what could possibly be one of the greatest finale fights in martial arts action cinema. Seriously though, I’m getting Undisputed 3: Redemption vibes with this one and the wait to see the finished product will be agonizing.
Per THR, Adkins will portray the coveted villain role of Caesar who is a sadistic leader of the a cult known as REG or The Royal Elite Guard. It’s said that Caesar has a rather ruthless philosophy for his disciples in that you can only learn through pain.
We all know that Adkins can play bad just as well as good with roles like his iconic MMA madman Yuri Boyka or his stint in Triple Threat. Lets not forget his scene stealing turn as the rather robust mob leader in John Wick: Chapter 4 so this Kickboxer entry is shaping up to be a rousing finale.
Kickboxer franchise producer and director Dimitri Logothetis is set to return in the director’s chair for the third and final installment and he’s alsp penning the script. Logothetis produced the first film Kickboxer: Vengeance which was helmed by John Stockwell and directed the second film Kickboxer: Retaliation.
“Scott is an exceptional actor as well as a martial arts legend, and I am looking forward to working with him,” Logothetis stated on the inclusion of Adkins. “I know our Kickboxer fan base cannot wait to see Scott and Alain inKickboxer: Armageddon. From Undisputed to Accident Man, as well as The Bourne Ultimatum, Scott has impressed us all with his unique action style.”
Well that’s an understatement if I ever read one. Adding Adkins and setting up a collision course between him and Moussi will definitely wet action fans’ appetites ti see these two square off. Both men are well known in the genre for their extreme martial arts skills so it will be a sight for sure.
It’s funny as I interviewed Moussi when Kickboxer: Retaliation hit and we talked about Scott Adkins:
Now going back to Scott Adkins who you mentioned, he has always been so impressive. I have been watching Scott for a while and he is definitely an inspiration with his martial arts skills. He is truly incredible. I pretty much watch everything that he does and I’m always paying attention so I hope he is paying attention to me (laughs). I’d love to work with him!
Well Mr. Moussi, it goes without saying. Be careful what you wish for because you’re going to have your hands full on this match. For the full interview with Alain Moussi, read here!
The Kickboxer reboot franchise is an homage to old school, kick ass martial arts action films of the 80’s and 90’s with icon Jean-Claude Van Damme returning to play the role of Master Durand in the first two. JCVD played the role of Kurt Sloan in the original 1989 film. Sadly, there is no word on whether JCVD will return as Durand for the finale, but it would be stupid for him not too. It all comes down to scheduling I guess but he should participate somehow to close it all out.
The new Kickboxer franchise has been a welcome addition to the genre mixing throwback 80’s and 90’s practical effects, stunts and fight choreography with more modern filming techniques and updated extreme action. Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that they pay homage to the golden era of VHS martial arts action.
Kickboxer: Armageddon is set to go in front of the cameras this April. The movie will be shot on location in Biloxi, Mississippi so unfortunately, we have a long wait for this one to hit the screens. But I have a feeling it’ll be worth however long that wait is.
The road to the final movie has been a long and winding one with both Moussi and Logothetis taking a break from the franchise to focus on other projects. The two also collaborated on the sci-fi thriller Jiu-Jitsu based off a comic book that they had put out. Moussi also released King of Killers last year which he starred opposite Frank Grillo but now the third and final entry is ready to get rolling. A teaser for Armageddon hit the web a few years back to showcase Moussi’s new and extreme look and you can see it below. Hopefully, they keep this look as it looks bad ass and screams anti-hero.
Lock N Load right here for more Intel to come on Kickboxer: Armageddon as we are your everyday shot of adrenaline for action cinema!!!
Source: THR
