Georges St-Pierre is following in the footsteps of one of his childhood heroes.
The former UFC welterweight champion has landed a role in the upcoming remake of the popular 1989 Jean-Claude Van Damme action film Kickboxer.
St-Pierre has said he looked up to Van Damme growing up and that his films inspired the Saint-Isidore, Que., native to begin practising martial arts at a young age.
Also signed to the film was WWE star Dave Bautista, who won a mixed martial arts bout in 2012 and trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Cesar Gracie. Acclaimed action filmmaker Stephen Fung will direct the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which was first to report St-Pierre’s latest movie role.
St-Pierre, who is currently recovering from ACL surgery, recently starred in the blockbuster Captain America: The Winter Soldier where he played Marvel Comics villain Batroc the Leaper.
The 32-year-old — he turns 33 on May 19 — vacated his UFC title in December and announced he was stepping away from MMA indefinitely, citing personal reasons.
