Filmmaker Dimitri Logothetis develops anime series inspired by Kickboxer movie

Kickboxer: Rebirth is intended to create an ‘entertainment universe’

US-based filmmaker Dimitri Logothetis is developing Kickboxer: Rebirth, a 3D anime television series based on the martial arts franchise that began with the 1989 Jean-Claude Van Damme film Kickboxer.

Dimitri Logothetis

The series is in development and Logothetis, whose credits include action flicks Gunner (2024) and Jiu Jitsu (2020), has plans for a 60-episode run over five seasons. No broadcaster or streamer is as-yet attached.

“With Kickboxer: Rebirth, we’re not simply making another television series,” Logothetis said. “We’re building an entertainment universe that can grow through television, games, merchandise and future productions. The original Kickboxer became part of pop culture. Our ambition is to introduce that legacy to an entirely new generation.”

Logothetis, president of Marina Del Rey-based Kings Road Entertainment, previously wrote, produced and directed the live-action instalments Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016) and Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018). Another live-action Kickboxer film is also in development. His TV work includes All of Me, The New Adventures of Robin Hood, Code Name: Eternity and The Dark Realm.

The anime Kickboxer series is being made using what Logothetis described as proprietary 3D animation technology, with a full licensing, merchandise and gaming strategy being developed alongside the series.

The project is not a straight animated remake, according to Logothetis. It keeps the martial arts action of the originals while adding “a universe of ancient spirituality, supernatural powers and magic,” alongside new characters. Logothetis said the anime format allows him to go beyond what live-action can afford.

“Live-action filmmaking is always restricted by budgets,” he said. “Every elaborate battle, extraordinary environment and supernatural sequence comes with enormous costs. Anime removes those creative limitations. I can take the authenticity of martial arts and combine it with mythology, spirituality and magic to create an entirely new world that would be prohibitively expensive to reproduce in live action.”

The franchise’s existing profile helps the project, claimed Logothetis. “What’s exciting is that we’re not starting with an unknown title,” he said. “Kickboxer has been recognised by martial arts and action fans around the world since 1989.”

The producer wants the series to support a wider property. “We’re building an entertainment universe that can grow through television, games, merchandise and future productions,” he said.