Tong Po is definitely someone you don’t want to mess around with. The first official photos fromKickboxer Vengeancehave arrived. They give us a first look atDave Bautistaas this deadly killer. Sadly, we don’t get to learn any facts about his training background or his style as a fighter. But we do get to stare on at that amazing body in fear and amazement. He definitely looks like a major ass-kicker.
Kickboxer Vengeance is arebootof the popularKickboxersaga that kicked off in 1989 and was headlined byJean-Claude Van Damme. Since then, there have been four othersequels, none of which sawJean-Claude Van Dammereturning as Kurt Sloane, who started out life as a cornerman for his brother Eric before becoming a master kick boxer himself. This new movie is a true reboot, and has Dave Bautista taking over the role of Tong Po.
Tong Powas first introduced in the originalKickboxer, played by Michel Qissi. Tong Po was Thailand’s undefeated champion, but we’re not sure how he’ll be changed, or if that will remain true in this new version. The original story saw Po paralyzing Kurt’s brother after refusing to stop a fight that has Eric throwing in the towel.Alain Moussiis playing theJean-Claude Van Dammerole ofKurt Sloanethis time out, withDarren Shahlaviplaying his brother Eric. If the first poster that arrived this summer is any indication, Tong Po will be killing Kurt’s brother in the ring this time around.
While maybe not as wild as Drax the Destroyer inGuardians of the Galaxy, Kickboxer Vengeance does give the WWE Superstar an interesting new look. Dave Bautista doesn’t usually sport much hair on top of his head, but here he’s given a wild mane that makes him look completely bonkers. He also has a set of menacing tattoos. After stealing one too many scenes inGuardians of the Galaxy, Dave Bautista will next be seen as the villainous henchman Hinx in this weekend’s James Bond adventureSpectre. But Kickboxer Vengeance could prove to be his most challenging and rewarding role yet. And it will surely please long time fans who want to see the man throw down in the ring yet again.
Kickboxer Vengeance marks the first timeJean-Claude Van Dammehas returned to the series since the original film. He will be playingMaster Durand, a character that did not show up in that 1989 action masterpiece. No further plot details have been revealed, so we’re not sure quite yet how he fits into this story, or how much it will deviate from the original script. While we await the first trailer for Kickboxer Vengeance, take a look at the menacing Tong Po! He’s a very dangerous man, and willKILLyou if you get too close!
