Van Damme Stars in Japan-Set Yakuza Film Katana
Jeremy Zag directs the martial arts feature, which The Veterans is launching for sales ahead of the AFM.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in Katana, a Japan-set Yakuza martial arts movie directed by and written by Jeremy Zag. The Veterans is launching the project for sales ahead of the AFM.
Why it matters
The project shows how a martial arts action film is being packaged for international buyers before the market. Its cast and financing partners span several countries, reflecting the cross-border structure of independent action production.
The project was first announced in 2022 under the working title What's My Name? and is scheduled to shoot across Japan, France and LA from April through June 2027. Financial terms, budget and a release window have not been disclosed.
The players
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Belgian-American martial artist and actor known for action films such as Bloodsport and Kickboxer, starring in Katana.
Jeremy Zag
Filmmaker directing and writing Katana, developed from the earlier project What's My Name?.
The Veterans
International sales company handling rights for Katana and presenting it to buyers ahead of the AFM.
Netflix
Global streaming service that picked up Katana in a deal described as one of the largest ever for a European animation.
CAA Media Finance
Talent and finance agency representing the film's U.S. rights.
The details
Katana centers on a former world champion fighter who is now a father, whose daughter is taken by the yakuza in Japan. The cast includes Armenian MMA fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan and French Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Cyril Benzaquen. Division Z is producing in partnership with Japan-based Wowow Bridge, and CAA Media Finance is representing U.S. rights.
Timeline
2022: Van Damme and Zag's collaboration is first announced as What's My Name?
April, May and June 2027: Filming is scheduled in Japan, France and LA.
Industry Dynamics
The project extends the martial arts action format that Van Damme built in films such as Bloodsport and Kickboxer into a Japan-set Yakuza narrative. Its multi-country financing and presale through an international sales company follow the model used by independent action productions seeking global buyers.
Katana is presented to buyers ahead of the AFM and is not yet scheduled for public release. Fans of Van Damme's action work will have to wait until the production is completed and distribution is announced.
The takeaway
Katana shows how established action stars are being attached to international productions that combine Japanese settings with multi-country financing. Watch for distribution announcements as the film moves from its 2027 shoot toward release.
Further reading
For more on fighters and martial arts action films, see Mixed Martial Arts.
