The legendary Kickboxer saga is set to continue with a powerful new entry — Kickboxer: Armageddon, the eighth instalment in the long-running martial arts franchise. The film will begin principal photography in Dublin and Wicklow, Ireland, from October 27 to November 21, 2025, marking a new chapter in one of action cinema’s most enduring series.
Returning to the centre of the story is Alain Moussi, reprising his role as Kurt Sloane, the relentless fighter whose resilience and tragedy have defined the modern era of the franchise. Moussi, who first took on the role in Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016) and continued in Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018), will once again step into the ring under the direction of Dimitri Logothetis, who also penned the script alongside Jim McGrath.
Joining Moussi are two of the most recognisable figures in contemporary martial arts cinema: Scott Adkins (John Wick: Chapter 4, Avengement) and Mark Dacascos (Cradle 2 the Grave, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum). Together, this trio promises a high-calibre showcase of fight choreography, physical storytelling, and raw cinematic intensity — a hallmark of the franchise since its 1989 origins starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Plot: A Story of Revenge and Redemption
In Kickboxer: Armageddon, Kurt Sloane’s life is shattered when a targeted explosion meant to kill him instead claims the lives of his wife and infant child. Grief-stricken and stripped of everything he holds dear, Kurt is consumed by vengeance. His quest for retribution leads him deep into Malaysia’s brutal underground fighting circuit, where he must rebuild his body and spirit to face an enemy like no other.
The man responsible for his suffering is revealed to be Cesare Durand (played by Scott Adkins), the twin brother of Master Durand — the iconic mentor figure who guided Kurt in earlier films. Cesare is a twisted martial arts master who leads a sadistic cult, turning combat into ritual and pain into a weapon. Kurt’s journey forces him to confront not just his enemy, but the darkness within himself.
While it remains uncertain whether Jean-Claude Van Damme will return as Master Durand, his potential involvement would provide an emotional and nostalgic link to the franchise’s roots — completing a narrative circle that began more than three decades ago.
Behind the Scenes
Director Dimitri Logothetis, who helmed both Kickboxer: Retaliation and Kickboxer: Vengeance, returns to ensure Armageddon stays true to the franchise’s DNA: visceral martial arts, global settings, and philosophical undertones about strength and survival. Filming in Ireland offers a striking new backdrop, combining rugged natural landscapes and modern urban grit — a symbolic reflection of Kurt’s inner and outer battles.
The production will rely heavily on practical stunts and real martial arts choreography, with Moussi, Adkins, and Dacascos all performing their own combat sequences. Fans can expect an intense physical spectacle, with stylistic influences drawn from Muay Thai, kickboxing, Krav Maga, and cinematic fight choreography designed for maximum realism.
Cast Highlights
- Alain Moussi — Known for his exceptional stunt and martial arts work, Moussi has performed in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Kill Order, Enhanced, and Nobody. As a stunt performer, he has contributed to major blockbusters like Suicide Squad, Shazam!, Warcraft, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. He also worked on streaming hits such as Netflix’s FUBAR, Apple TV+’s See, and Prime Video’s The Boys.
- Scott Adkins — One of the most respected martial artists in contemporary cinema, Adkins recently starred in Diablo, Prisoner of War, and The Killer’s Game. His breakout performances in Undisputed II and Avengement cemented his reputation for combining acting intensity with technical fighting precision.
- Mark Dacascos — A veteran of action cinema, Dacascos is widely recognised for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Cradle 2 the Grave. On television, he portrayed Wo Fat in CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and Kong Pak in HBO’s Warrior. His recent film roles include Jade, Legend of the White Dragon, and Blade of the 47 Ronin, reaffirming his versatility across action genres.
Legacy of Combat
The Kickboxer series began in 1989, introducing audiences to Van Damme’s unforgettable portrayal of Kurt Sloane, a fighter seeking justice for his brother’s death. Over time, the franchise evolved through sequels, reboots, and reinterpretations, each pushing the boundaries of martial arts cinema. The Moussi-led reboot brought renewed energy, bridging traditional fight storytelling with modern production values.
Now, with Kickboxer: Armageddon, the franchise appears poised for a climactic and emotionally charged chapter. The film aims not only to deliver bone-crunching action but also to explore deeper emotional themes of loss, rage, and the price of vengeance.
Though no official release date has been announced, Kickboxer: Armageddon is expected to arrive in theaters and streaming platforms in late 2026. With Moussi, Adkins, and Dacascos leading an ensemble of world-class fighters under Logothetis’s direction, fans can anticipate a visceral blend of high-octane action and human drama — the perfect storm for a franchise that refuses to pull its punches.
In the words of Logothetis, “This isn’t just another fight film. It’s a story about pain, purpose, and the will to keep getting back up.”
