DISQUS

Mandarr · 10 months ago

He should've taken the money. What else has he got going for him right now? Besides it would make the movie all the more cooler with him in it as well.

Reverend · 10 months ago

I agree the movie would have been more entertaining, but his reasoning is sound and simple if you've seen JCVD.

His all-money-and-action movies were used against him pretty heavily, it seems.

Rev

Viper moonST1 · 10 months ago

Let's see... Make A LOT OF MONEY!, doing this film or stay in the happy hell of direct to DVD movies? great choice Van Damme,great choice.

SK47 · 10 months ago

well, if we take Van Damme's word on it then at least we must admire the guy to try and take the high road than the easy one with The Expendables.

D-E-D-P-O-O-L · 10 months ago

Wow I'm surprised at all the money obsessed people... there are other things in life ya know? I'm so glad it seems he has more principles than some of you.
Personally I hate it when movies are made to just make a bunch of money. The great ones make the money because of what they put into the movie... gotta love Jean! :D

Rob Keyes · 10 months ago

Such horrible news,

This is being made purely to bring in cash - hence the inappropriate pg-13 rating instead of an R-rating.

Waleed VD · 10 months ago

Some actors just wanna make money but Jean-Claude Van Damme wanna make his fans happy. I respect you, Van Damme.

Daniel F · 10 months ago

Rofl Van Damme was clearly never concerned about character before if what he is saying is true he has turned a huge corner as an actor sadly way to late in his career to really matter. He isn't that talented to be turning down roles because they aren't deep enough.

Mike · 10 months ago

ive read the script....its actually a really good script...Van damme is talking BS...I doubt this is just for $$

why else would guys like Forest whitaker, ben kingsley, mickey rourke sign on?? do they usually sign onto movies for a quick buck?

Reverend · 10 months ago

Mike,

I think he was talking about his character specifically, not the plot in general.

Rev

Vic Holtreman · 10 months ago

@Mike

It sounds like Stallone didn't show him the script but wanted him to come onboard sight unseen.

Then again, how about just saying "Hey, can I take a look at the script before I decide?"

Vic

Gary · 10 months ago

Vics point is valid.
But if Sly really didnt tell him who his character was going to be then I understand why he turned it down.
My bet is Stallone approached Van Damme real early in the development process.

Rob Keyes · 10 months ago

Why didn't Stallone call him back when he knew the answer? lol

kimo · 10 months ago

I believe van damme rushed up in taking such a decision....i mean for gods sake,great actors such as whitacker or ben kingsley agreed on participating in the movie...who does van damme think he is???
whether he admits it or not,this was a good oppurtunity for him to get back...
ANYWAY TO BE HONEST IM NOT SAD THAT HE WONT BE IN THIS MOVIE CAUSE I REALLY DONT LIKE HIM!!!STALLONE IS ENOUGH.....

gebu19 · 10 months ago

some of you say that this movie has really great actors like whitaker, kingsley... but then Randy couture is on the list.

SK47 · 10 months ago

Randy did a good job with Redbelt, not so with Scorpion King 2 but that is understandable.
Right directors can influence any actor, good or bad. Halle Berry is a great example!

Loki · 10 months ago

I think it's okay if he wont be in the movie. Dont think there's enough screentime for all the big stars anyway

JD5DAD · 10 months ago

one second I'm looking for the line of directors that want to hire Van Dumb WOW there isn't one unless someone wants to make a no retreat no surrender 2 I don't see this numb nuts working anytime soon what a moron

Gen · 10 months ago

So he turned down a role in a potentially big film because he has ethics now. Hmmmmm - when did that start - after the last fall off the wagon? Puh-lease - man who are you trying to kid?.LOL!!!!!!

John "Kahless" Taylor · 10 months ago

I remember reading years ago that Sly, Swartzeneger (yeah, you try to spell his name :-)) and Van Damme were part of some group that pushed their bodies to the limit. While reading this, I was just wondering if Sly was offering him this as a friend, so that Van Damme can make some cash. Ross, Vic, or anyone, do you know if Van Damme is suffering financially?

High Kalibur · 10 months ago

I'm sorry... but wasn't Van Damme in Street Fighter..?!!? Uh... if you still want a acting career, how could you ever turn down a film after that?

tirkka · 10 months ago

I'm glad Van Damme skipped this movie. His action scenes aren't what they used to be, so I say let the ones that can really deliver do the action. Plus it opens a role for someone new, possibly Scott Adkins, that would be awesome. If Van Damme wants to do serious acting, then he made the right choice.

Battosia · 10 months ago

JCVD just didn't want to look like lame beside the likes of Jet Li, you know? A REAL martial artist. His whole reasoning is BS. I guess if the role is the on the level of "Double Team" with co-stars like Dennis Rodman, then it's just not good enough for him. LOL. Well, folks, JCVD's next roll is... Drumroll please: Universal Solider 3.

Sta · 10 months ago

This reminds me of the time Gene Simmons asked Andrew Dice Clay what his movie was "trying to be."

Adrian · 10 months ago

It would have been cool if he excepted the role, but at the same time he acts like he's been getting the best roles in the business. He hasn't put out an A rate movie since the mid 90's. This role has the potential of mending a fading career of a past action star... But since he turned it down, there's a good chance we can get someone better to play the role. Ask Vin diesel, or Dwayne Johnson, with the stars that are already on board, it's going to turn out to be a good action flick regardless.