An Actor Making a HUGE comeback in 2022
By Daniel Sumpton | Misfit Media Columnist
Jean-Claude Van Damme has starred in a long string of direct-to-video films since 2001, having only a small amount of widely released films since. The latter half of the action star’s filmography is a far cry away from his nonstop hits of the late 80’s and 90’s. Things may be radically different for the actor soon though entering the third act of his career. He is set to appear in what is predicted to be one of the highest grossing films of 2022. The film could also mark a big change regarding how Jean-Claude Van Damme is perceived by newer generations. It could be a radically different perception to the guns-blazing action star he has been remembered as so far.
Minions: The Rise of Gru currently has a release date of July 1, 2022, after a long delay. The film was initially set to release in 2020 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie has been pushed back. The film will establish how Gru rose to prominence as a supervillain and is set immediately after its predecessor. Jean-Claude Van Damme is set to play Jean Clawed; a member of the evil group heavily idolized by 12-year-old Gru called The Vicious 6. Other legendary action stars are also voice acting characters in The Vicious 6 such as Dolph Lundgren and Danny Trejo. Jean Clawed is a supervillain with a giant lobster claw for an arm.
Having voiced Master Croc in Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3, JCVD is taking on a more prominent character for the Minions sequel. The Minions as characters are such cultural phenomenon’s that it is quite possible the action star of the 90’s could be primarily recognised in the future as a voice actor from the Despicable Me spin-off. Regardless, there is a high chance this will kick-off a long string of high budget films that the actor will be a part of.
A small ray of hope for those who want to see the ACTION in the ACTION STAR
Many JCVD fans, like myself, would love to see him star in more action films on the big screen. While The Expendables 2 was an enjoyable refill of old-time action goodness, the movie will be 10 years old soon after Minion: The Rise of Gru is released. Luckily, there is a small ray of hope that he will be able to have a good balance of films for younger audiences and adults. The film Frenchy, which has gone through multiple name changes, stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and is also written, edited, produced, and directed by the actor. Other action stars of the past have found a comfortable balance in the current day by directing blockbuster flicks as well as starring in films for younger audiences, such as Mel Gibson. Unfortunately, the film Frenchy has struggled to find a distributor for many years and is not likely to take off any time soon. Even though it’s far more likely JCVD will have the Minions shroud his legacy for action fans, there is always hope.