Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Belgian icon of action cinema, would turn down Vin Diesel to join the Fast & Furious saga, according to himself. The American actor, a central figure in the franchise, seems to have a significant influence on the casting and directing decisions of the films, especially after the tragic death of Paul Walker.
in the given interview telegraph In 2023, Van Damme admitted that the production initially considered inviting him to a series of films that had already welcomed stars such as Dwayne Johnson or Jason Statham. But Vin Diesel He would veto it.
“They want me in Fast & Furious. But Vin Diesel said, “No, I don’t want him.”“
The actor did not specify which episode or role he was being considered for, leaving the mystery surrounding this aborted collaboration.
Notable role in Expendables
SPOILER ALERT! The rest of this article will reveal the main plot elements of “Expendables 2: Special Victims Unit” (2012).
if the door Fast & Furious Seemingly closed for Van Damme, he found his place in another major saga: The Expendables. After turning down the role in the first installment, he accepted the role of the villain Jean Villeneuve in Expendables 2: Special Unit (2012). Despite his character’s on-screen death, he has not ruled out a possible return to the saga.
“Yes! That’s what Stallone told me. Well, there’s always Expendables 5. Or 25, he joked.
Fans also envisioned creative solutions for his return, such as introducing Jean Villenin’s twin brother named Claude Villenin. Van Damme says he’s confident in Stallone’s ingenuity when it comes to creating new antagonists or storylines.
“Mr. Stallone is an inventive man“, he said in 2014 (M Empire). “He could have created a stronger character than Claude Villain, Jean Villain’s twin brother. Some fans have been asking if the next villain—if there is one—will be a good guy or a bad guy. I trust his imagination to Mr. Stallone’s solution.“
Expendables 2: Special Forces (2012)
However, after the flop of Expend4bles at the box office, nothing is official yet regarding the Belgian’s comeback. As for Fast & FuriousIts integration seems unlikely in the near future.
A personal view of modern action cinema
Jean-Claude Van Damme also shared his vision of what he could bring to the modern action film.
“People drive the Tesla on the screen. Brilliant, perfect computer graphics. And maybe some people want to go back to stick shift for a while. some people. Do you see what I mean by metaphor? I’m a mover.“
A way for an actor to emphasize his unique value in a genre dominated by digital stunts and digital visual effects.
The Expendables saga, including the second opus starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, is available on VOD.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
