Gina Carano has joined the cast of Kickboxer, Radar Pictures’ remake of the 1989 B grade martial artist action film.
Carano will make up part of the roll call calling for muscular actors and actresses that includes Guardians of the Galaxy star and newly cast James Bond villain Dave Bautista, X-Men: Days of Future Past stunt performer-turned-actor Alain Moussi, UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, and Jean-Claude Van Damme who starred in the original film.
Carano is rumored to be playing a female kickboxer much like Van Damme’s role. The film will attempt to capitalize on JCVD’s momentum following The Expendables 2 and surprisingly successful straight to DVD action films. Gina has solidified herself as a Hollywood star with roles in Haywire and Fast and Furious 6. Once called the “face of women’s MMA” she is credited with bringing legitimacy to female fighting and inspired hundreds of girls to follow her path to success.
The film is produced by Ted Field of Radar Films, Dimitri Logothetis and Nick Celozzi. Mike Weber and Peter Meyer will executive produce along with Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick and Jeff Bowler from The Exchange.
The film is still in production and expected to be released in theaters at this time. There is still a possibility that early marketing efforts could indicate a lack of interest and push this to DVD, but as of right now there is no data to support either method of release.
Model-turned-actress Sara Malakul Lane plays the love interest after months of searching and casting calls.