Jean-Claude Van Damme (The Gardener) is charting a new course in his action career. The martial arts icon has signed on to star in Raid Pacific, a World War II thriller that will place the veteran action star at the center of a high-stakes submarine mission inspired by real events. The project is being introduced to international buyers by VMI Worldwide and will be directed by Steven Luke (Come Out Fighting).
Set in the tense aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Raid Pacific follows Captain William Pierce, a decorated U.S.-French submarine commander played by Van Damme. Tasked with transporting a team of Marine raiders deep into enemy-controlled waters, Pierce must lead a dangerous mission aimed at eliminating a strategic Japanese outpost that could shift the balance of the war in the Pacific.
The role marks a notable departure for Van Damme, whose career has been built on martial arts classics such as Bloodsport, Kickboxer, and Universal Soldier. While Raid Pacific promises its share of wartime action and suspense, the film appears to lean heavily into themes of leadership, sacrifice, and survival under extreme pressure.
Director Steven Luke, known for his work on military-themed features, described the project as a story grounded in real history but driven by human drama. Producer Dean Bloxom added that Van Damme’s presence brings a unique intensity and emotional depth to the role of Captain Pierce, helping elevate the film beyond a traditional war movie.
With production details and additional casting still to come, Raid Pacific already stands out as one of Van Damme’s most intriguing upcoming projects. Trading tournament rings and street fights for the claustrophobic tension of submarine warfare, the action legend is preparing to take audiences beneath the surface for what could be one of the most ambitious films of his late-career resurgence.
SOURCE: Variety
