Key Takeaways:
– ‘Bloodsport’ almost didn’t get released due to concerns from Cannon Pictures.
– Jean-Claude Van Damme took part in re-editing the movie, which resulted in a pacey and trim version converting the film into a hit.
– The film had international success despite a limited domestic response, making over $50 million overseas on a meager budget of $2.3 million.
– ‘Bloodsport’ is regarded as one of the best American Martial Arts movies ever made.
– Jean-Claude Van Damme’s career might not have taken off had he remained long-term with Cannon Pictures.
The Unlikely Release of ‘Bloodsport’
If you’re a Jean-Claude Van Damme fan, you’ll be shocked to know that ‘Bloodsport,’ one of his most celebrated martial arts films, almost never made it to the big screen. As highlighted in Nick De Semlyen’s book, “Last Action Heroes,” Cannon Pictures initially deemed the movie “unreleasable”. The movie’s fate was so precarious that it was almost shelved for fourteen months and about to be launched straight to video.
The Production Crisis and Van Damme’s Role
Things intensified when Menachem Golan, the head of Cannon Pictures, declined a proposed sequel to ‘Lone Wolf McQuade,’ featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. Golan preferred Michael Dudikoff for the role. At this point, Van Damme had returned to his previous job as a limo driver following the wrap of ‘Bloodsport.’ Yet, he wasn’t ready to accept defeat.
Partnership with Carl Press for Re-editing
Van Damme persuaded the studio to let him take a stab at re-editing the film. They agreed, and he teamed up with ‘Towering Inferno’ editor Carl Press. Together, they reworked the fight scenes, trimming down the drama and resulting in a faster-paced cut. This revised version was eventually greenlit for release by the studio.
The Doom of Cannon Pictures vs Survivor ‘Bloodsport’
In 1988, Cannon Pictures was struggling financially due to its failed blockbuster attempts with ‘Over The Top,’ ‘Masters of the Universe,’ and ‘Superman IV: The Quest For Peace.’ This economic turmoil left the studio with limited funds to promote ‘Bloodsport’. Therefore, Van Damme’s film initially only saw release in Asia and Europe.
Yet, the tide turned favorably for ‘Bloodsport.’ The martial arts film not only survived but thrived despite its rocky beginnings. By the time it reached North America, it had already attained profitability courtesy of its international success. While it grossed a modest $11.7 million domestically, it made a staggering over $50 million overseas from a $2.3 million budget. Additionally, the VHS version became one of Warner Bros’ biggest-selling titles.
Legacy of ‘Bloodsport’: An American Martial Arts Classic
In retrospect, it’s astonishing that Golan was reluctant to release ‘Bloodsport.’ Despite its ups and downs, the film remains a testament to JCVD’s resilience and is considered one of the best American Martial Arts movies ever made.
The film’s success led to Van Damme starring in two more Cannon films, ‘Cyborg’ and ‘Death Warrant.’ However, Golan left Cannon by the time ‘Death Warrant’ was released. Many speculate that if Van Damme had been tied to a longer contract with Cannon, his career might not have soared as it did, mirroring the restricted progression of Michael Dudikoff.
Ultimately, the story of ‘Bloodsport’ is a captivating tale of determination and tenacity. The film, once deemed not fit for release, has etched its legacy deep into the annals of martial arts cinema, testament to Van Damme’s never-give-in spirit. The question now remains, do you also believe ‘Bloodsport’ is Van Damme’s best?
