Eager to see center-ring martial arts talent take to the lens?
Enter No.1 world-class Dutch kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven whose latest match will be toe-to-toe with acting for a debut lead role in The Black Lotus. The project is reportedly out to writers and directors to shepherd the story of an ex-military operative on a mission of vengeance to save the woman he loves.
The new action thriller, which is said to take its cues from hits like Taken and Man On Fire, follows up Verhoeven’s previous film credits on Alain Moussi starrer, Kickboxer: Retaliation, as well as voicing the key role on animated feature, Ferdinand. Producing are Tom de Mol and Marcel de Block in partnership with Christian Mercuri of Capstone Pictures, and with Verhoeven co-producing.
“I’m thrilled to play my first leading role in an international action movie,” said Verhoeven. “This new adventure is a big challenge for me, and I am excited to get the opportunity to pursue this dream. Similar to my fights, I will go all the way preparing for this and be extremely focused to deliver a top performance. I can’t wait to make a super entertaining film for all of my fans around the world.”
Verhoeven underwent martial arts starting at the age of his father, also a karate black belt. The high-ranking kickboxer currently fights for Glory Kickboxing League.
As The Hollywood Reporter notes, cameras roll in Amsterdam, London and Sofia, Bulgaria next year.
Featured Photo: UFC.com