Jean-Claude Van Damme to Return for 'Kickboxer' Reboot

Jean-Claude Van Damme reportedly is in final negotiations to take part in "Kickboxer" reboot.
The original film which was launched in 1989 features Van Damme as a martial arts student, but if the deal is sealed the upcoming reboot will see him playing the teacher, The

Hollywood

Reporter reports. The role was supposed to be taken by "Furious 7"

actor

Tony Jaa, but he was forced to bow out due to scheduling conflicts.

In addition to Van Damme, the reboot will star "Guardians of the Galaxy" star Dave Bautista. "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" actor Georges St. Pierre and Alain Moussi who previously took part in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" will also join the cast.

The upcoming remake, which is directed by John Stockwell based on a script by Dmitri Logothetis and Jim McGrath, centers on Moussi's character Kurt Sloan who is determined to learn the secret of kickboxing to avenge the death of his brother who was killed by Bautista's Tong Po. Production will start this week in New Orleans.

The movie will be produced by Ted Field of Radar Films alongside Logothetis and Nick Celozzi. Mike Weber and Peter Meyer serve as executive producers.