Streetfighter 2: Interview with Jean Claude

[James]

AK: We're hearing rumors of a sequel to Streetfigher. Is this true?

JC: Yes we will be doing a sequel to Streetfighter. In my opinion, it is one of the finest movies of my career - lots of fun for everyone. It has [a] nice blend of action, comedy and even elements of the video game. We are casting now and some big names are interested.

AK: When we talked last, you said no sequels though?

JC: True. I didn't like doing sequels before. I always wondered why the need to go back and play a character you already have. But in this case, it's a franchise that is begging for more. The computer games are still popular, so what's to say this movie wont be?. I've passed on Time Cop sequels, and Kickboxer 2, and Bloodsport because they were the same story. Its got to be different, you know, to get my attention.

AK: How do you select your roles?

JC: There are lots of movies still to make. Some of my movies, I can admit, have not been that great. Not always my fault, sometimes I sign for films that read much different on paper than they end up. This year, we have SHU [renamed Hell] coming out and I'm doing not only Streefighter, but also The Tower, which is a really exciting thriller, and After Death, which is going to also very good. I have to please the fans you know, and I deliberately do chase movies with lots of action and martial arts. No one wants to see Jean-Claude Van Damme in Shakespeare you know?

AK: But have you ever been tempted to try something new?

JC: Yes, plenty of times. I'd like to try some more Science Fiction, something like we did with Time Cop. I'm going to definitely try and get in the next X-Men movie - that would be fun, and [i] would love to do something like an Aliens or even Terminator. One of my all-time favorite movies is The Great Escape and I've been talking to Ringo Lam [a film director] about modernizing it, and doing a remake. He
thinks it would be a great idea. It's going to be hard to get a script that will surpass the original film, because it's so great, but maybe we don't want to copy it, but to try something new with it - add more stunts, more martial arts, a different take on it - but still in the epic adventure genre.

AK: Are you worried about trying to remake such a classic movie though?

JC: Of course. That movie is beloved by many. But, as I said, if we adapt it for modern age and put a new spin on the story, people should really enjoy it. There's so many young people out there who have never discovered this film, you know!

AK: What about a comedy?

JC: In time, maybe, of course. I mean Arnold has done comedy, and so has Stallone. But they not work out the best you know. It would have to be a really good and funny film. A long ways back, after Arnold did Twins, they wanted Joe Pesci and I to do a sequel. I didn't think it would be that funny though - the joke had already been done.

AK: Your son is an actor too, yes?

JC: Yes, and becoming quite a good one. If we do Great Escape, I
told him we have a good role for him in it.