Scheduling conflicts have forced Tony Jaa to drop out, but that has left the door open for Van Damme to take his place. Only now he'll be the master rather than the student as he was in the original 1989 film. Van Damme will play an updated version of Master Chow, who trains an American fighter in the ways of kickboxing so he can defeat brutal Muay Thai champ Tong Po (Dave Bautista) and avenge his brother's death. Alain Moussi stars, with UFC champ Georges St. Pierre also a part of the lineup.
Unfortunately, the loss of Tony Jaa isn't the only major problem the film has to overcome. Director Stephen Fung (Tai Chi Zero) has dropped out and been replaced by John Stockwell, who last helmed the forgettable Gina Carano flick, In the Blood. [THR]
