Editing Jean-Claude Van Damme (section)

== Career ==

=== Early 1970s to 1980: Martial arts and first film appearance ===

At the age of 12,<ref>Katherine Drobot Lawrence. [https://books.google.com/books?id=PlXN3oyymPsC&q=Jean-Claude+Van+Damme ''Jean-Claude Van Damme''] (The Rosen Publishing Group, 2002), p. 11.</ref> Van Damme joined the ''Centre National de Karaté'' (National Center of Karate) under the guidance of Claude Goetz in Belgium. Van Damme trained for four years and he earned a spot on the Belgian Karate Team; he later trained in full-contact karate and kickboxing with Dominique Valera.<ref name=StarSystem1>[http://www.starsystemkickboxing.net/Pages/JeanClaudeVanDamme.aspx "Standardized Tournaments And Ratings System Historic Kickboxing Ring Records"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801014538/http://www.starsystemkickboxing.net/Pages/JeanClaudeVanDamme.aspx |date=1 August 2012 }}. The Star System. 8 March 1980. Retrieved 3 April 2012.</ref> According to Van Damme, "it was tough growing up. I was kind of geeky, and physically I was not gifted".<ref name=Raz1>Razvi, Sam. [https://www.coachweb.com/exercises/celebrity-workouts/2116/jean-claude-van-damme-expendables-2-interview "Jean-Claude van Damme Expendables 2 interview"], ''Coach'', published 2012. Retrieved 31 May 2021.</ref>

At the age of 15, he started his competitive karate career in Belgium. From 1976 to 1980, he compiled a record of 44 victories and four defeats in tournament and non-tournament semi-contact matches.

He was a member of the Belgium Karate Team when it won the European Karate Championship on 26 December 1979 at La Coupe François Persoons Karate Tournament in Brussels.<ref name=StarSystem1/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jcvandamme.net/cnk/Anglais/CNKen/cnken.html |title=CNK – Centre National de Karaté |publisher=Jcvandamme.net |access-date=20 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423042708/http://www.jcvandamme.net/cnk/Anglais/CNKen/cnken.html |archive-date=23 April 2009}}</ref>

He placed second at the Challenge Coupe des Espoirs Karate Tournament (1st Trials). At the three-day tournament, he defeated 25 opponents before losing in the finals to teammate Angelo Spataro.<ref name=StarSystem1/>

On 8 March 1980, in Brussels, Belgium, he competed against his former teammate Patrick Teugels at the Forest National Arena on the undercard of the Dan Macaruso-Dominique Valera [[Professional Karate Association]] Light-Heavyweight World Championship bout.<ref name=StarSystem1/> Prior to this match, Teugels had defeated Van Damme twice by decision, including a match for the Belgium Lightweight Championship. Van Damme had a 1977 victory over Teugels. Teugels was coming off an impressive showing at the [[World Association of Kickboxing Organizations]] World Championships four months earlier, and was favored by some to win this match. According to reports, and Patrick Teugels' own interview (with photos), Teugels lost to Van Damme by [[Technical knockout|TKO]] in the 1st round. Teugels was kicked in the nose and was unable to continue as a result.<ref name=StarSystem1/> In a 2013 interview, Van Damme called this fight his most memorable match.<ref>[http://asianmoviepulse.com/2013/06/king-of-kung-fu-presents-the-jean-claude-van-damme-interview/ "King Of Kung Fu Presents: The Jean Claude Van Damme Interview"]. Asian Movie Pulse. 13 June 2013.</ref>

He began his full-contact career in 1977, when Claude Goetz promoted the first ever full-contact karate tournament in Belgium.

From 1977 to 1982, he compiled a record of 18 victories (18 knockouts) and one defeat. {{Citation needed|reason=previous link broken|date=February 2018}}

In 1979, he had an uncredited role in [[André Delvaux]]'s ''[[Woman Between Wolf and Dog]]'', a Belgian-French [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] starring [[Marie-Christine Barrault]], and [[Rutger Hauer]].

In 1980, he caught the attention of ''Professional Karate Magazine'' publisher and editor Mike Anderson and multiple European champion Geert Lemmens. Both men tabbed Van Damme as an upcoming prospect.<ref name=FightingArts>Warrener, Don (15 August 2011). [http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=320 "Jean Claude van Damme: Behind The Public Image"]. FightingArts.com. Retrieved 3 April 2012.</ref> Van Damme retired from competition in 1982.

During his early life, he sold flowers in restaurants, and got a loan to open a gym to save some money before his move to the United States.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/bqYh3dlKTOY Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20190303230734/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqYh3dlKTOY&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqYh3dlKTOY#t=3m19s|title=Jean-Claude Van Damme Reveals Why He Left 'Predator'|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=1 March 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Aptly titled ''California Gym'', it was opened in 1979 and catered to "karate, dancing, aerobics, bodybuilding – everything". Van Damme adds that "I wrote special training programs for people, and it was a very upbeat atmosphere with music". At its peak, ''California Gym'' was making $15,000 per month; "when I decided to sell my gym my father thought I was crazy. He said, 'What the hell are you doing? You have the best gym in Brussels. You have a sports car, a beautiful apartment, you're making so much money that you can have anything you want — and now you're going to sell your business and go to America'. He was very upset".<ref name=bh1z>Fighter Magazine. [https://www.backkicks.com/jean-claude-van-damme-interview-1988/ "Jean-Claude van Damme Interview"], ''Fighter International Magazine'', published December 1988. Retrieved 31 May 2023.</ref>

=== 1982 to 1988: Early works and breakthrough ===
In 1982, he and childhood friend [[Michel Qissi]] moved to the United States in the hope of working as actors. They did a variety of jobs to support themselves. Their first job working on a film as extras in the hip hop dance film ''[[Breakin']]'' (1984), made by [[The Cannon Group, Inc.|Cannon Films]]; they are seen dancing in the background at a dance demonstration.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.worldation.com/stories/muscles-brussels-story-jean-claude-van-damme/2/|title=The muscles from Brussels - the story of Jean-Claude Van Damme {{!}} Worldation|date=9 October 2017|work=Worldation|access-date=9 April 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>

Around that time he developed a friendship with action martial art film star [[Chuck Norris]]. They started sparring together, and Van Damme started to work as a bouncer at a bar named Woody's Wharf, owned by Norris.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bjjee.com/articles/jean-claude-van-damme-chuck-norris-training-together/|title=Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris training together|date=4 May 2017|work=Bjj Eastern Europe|access-date=9 April 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> He also supplemented his income as a limousine driver and private karate instructor.

He described his early days in the United States as being particularly difficult – excluding $2,000, he had placed all of his money from the sale of his gym into a European bank;<ref name=bh1z/> thus, he struggled financially.<ref name=Polow1>Polowy, K. [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bloodsport-jean-claude-van-damme-behind-the-scenes-160011995.html "'Bloodsport' at 35: How a desperate Jean-Claude Van Damme begged his way into the action film that made him a star"], ''[[Yahoo! News]]'', published 24 February 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.</ref> To ensure his own emotional wellbeing, he would go for runs every night in Santa Monica. After that, he would train at the world-renowned [[Gold's Gym]]. This routine reportedly helped him survive for many years. He actively participated in casting calls and had a specific routine. On Wednesdays, he would purchase the Drama-Logue magazine; then Thursday mornings, he would send out his picture and resume in response to advertisements. He was willing to try anything to achieve success, even going so far as to fabricate a story. He would call movie studios and claim to be an actor from Brussels with an investor from Hong Kong. He also instructed a friend to play along and act as if they wanted him to star in a movie and were willing to invest money, but required additional funding. Armed with this, he approached producers and suddenly found that all his phone calls were being answered. Of course, his intention was simply to meet the person and put his name out there, as opposed to securing illegitimate deals.<ref name=bh1z/>

In the 1984 action film ''[[Missing in Action (film)|Missing in Action]]'' starring Norris, which was also released by [[The Cannon Group, Inc.|Cannon Films]], Van Damme is credited in the stunt team crew.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=Missing In Action |date=1984 |last=Zito |first=Joseph |type=VHS |language=en |publisher=MGM/UA |isbn=0-7928-0782-0}}</ref> That same year he also had a role in the comedy short film ''[[Monaco Forever]].<ref>{{Citation|last=Levey|first=William A.|title=Monaco Forever|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087739/|others=Charles Pitt, Nancy Brock, Daniele Romer|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>''<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1995/02/17/van-dammes-first-film/|title=Van Damme's first film|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=27 August 2018|language=en}}</ref>

[[Corey Yuen]]'s martial arts film ''[[No Retreat, No Surrender]],'' which premiered On 2 May 1986 in [[Los Angeles]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57425-NO-RETREAT-NO-SURRENDER?cxt=filmography|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|website=catalog.afi.com|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> was his first sizeable role when he was cast as the Russian villain. It starred [[Kurt McKinney]], and was released through [[New World Pictures]].<ref>{{Citation|title=No Retreat, No Surrender Blu-ray|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/No-Retreat-No-Surrender-Blu-ray/158610/#Overview|access-date=27 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=No Retreat, No Surrender|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/no_retreat_no_surrender/|language=en|access-date=27 August 2018}}</ref> McKinney stars as Jason Stillwell, a U.S. teenager who learns karate and defends his martial arts [[dojo]] against a Soviet martial artist played by Van Damme.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cinapse.co/no-retreat-no-surrender-an-endearing-the-karate-kid-clone-6c4a42fc914f|title=NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER: An Endearing THE KARATE KID Clone|date=21 February 2017|work=Cinapse|access-date=27 August 2018|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126200819/https://cinapse.co/no-retreat-no-surrender-an-endearing-the-karate-kid-clone-6c4a42fc914f|url-status=dead}}</ref> Both Vann Damme and McKinney were set to also star in ''[[No Retreat, No Surrender 2]],'' but backed out.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Keith Strandberg interview: No Retreat No Surrender|language=en|work=Den of Geek|url=http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/no-retreat-no-surrender/49131/keith-strandberg-interview-no-retreat-no-surrender|access-date=24 July 2018}}</ref>

He worked for director [[John McTiernan]] for the film ''[[Predator (film)|Predator]]'' (1987) as an early (eventually abandoned) version of the titular alien, before being removed and replaced by [[Kevin Peter Hall]].<ref name="bleeds">{{cite news|title=If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It|last=Haufrect|first=Ian T|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|year=2001}}</ref> As the first choice to play the titular [[Predator (fictional species)|Predator]] character, with the intent that he would use his martial arts skills to make the alien an agile, [[ninja]]-like hunter, but after few days shot, he left the film. It was reported that he constantly complained about the monster suit being too hot and causing him to pass out; he allegedly also voiced reservations about only appearing on camera in the suit. Additionally, it became apparent that a more physically imposing actor was needed to make the creature appear threatening against the team of soldiers. The role eventually went to Kevin Peter Hall.<ref>''Haufrect, Ian T. (2001). If It Bleeds, We Can Kill It. Predator DVD: [[20th Century Fox]].''</ref> After ''Predator'' was a success, Van Damme said that he appreciated the movie and that he had no regrets about missing that role.

Van Damme's breakout film was ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'', which opened on 26 February 1988, based on the alleged true story of [[Frank Dux]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/60095-BLOODSPORT?cxt=filmography|title=AFI{{!}}Catalog|website=catalog.afi.com|access-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> It was shot on a $1.5-million budget for Cannon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-01-me-3111-story.html|title=NINJA: Hero or Master Fake? : Others Kick Holes in Fabled Past of Woodland Hills Martial Arts Teacher|last=Johnson|first=John|date=1 May 1988|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=27 August 2018|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Bloodsport#tab=summary|title=Bloodsport (1988) - Financial Information|work=The Numbers|access-date=27 August 2018}}</ref> The film is about [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] Captain Frank Dux (played by Van Damme), trained from his youth in the ways of [[ninjutsu]] by Senzo Tanaka, who takes the place of Tanaka's deceased son Shingo in the illegal martial-arts tournament Kumite in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/johannacox/an-interview-with-the-man-who-inspired-and-paid-for-some-of|title=15 Things You Didn't Know About "Bloodsport"|work=BuzzFeed|access-date=27 August 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date= 1 October 2002|title=Bloodsport|medium= film|language= en, fr, ja|publisher= Warner Home Video|id=  0 85393 77442 4|isbn= 0-7907-6540-3}}</ref> It became a U.S. box-office hit in the spring of 1988. Producer Mark Di Salle said he was looking for "a new martial arts star who was a ladies' man, [but Van Damme] appeals to both men and women. He's an American hero who fights for justice the American way and kicks the stuffing out of the bad guys."<ref name="jean">{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/08/27/punch-lineage/|title=Punch Lineage|last1=Thompson|first1=Anne|author-link1=Anne Thompson (film critic)|date=27 August 1989|website=[[The Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=15 October 2016}}</ref> In reality, Van Damme had begged for a starring role; at the point of casting, he was homeless, sleeping in cars and garages, and sometimes had to resort to stealing food to survive.<ref name=Polow1/>  Also in 1988, he played another Russian villain in ''[[Black Eagle (1988 film)|Black Eagle]]'', opposite [[Sho Kosugi]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Black Eagle Blu-ray|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Black-Eagle-Blu-ray/190192/|access-date=27 August 2018}}</ref>

=== 1989 to 1999: International stardom ===
After the success of ''[[Bloodsport (film)|Bloodsport]]'', Cannon Films offered him the lead in ''[[Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection|Delta Force 2]]'', ''[[American Ninja 3]]'' or ''[[Cyborg (film)|Cyborg]]'', a [[cyberpunk]] martial arts film directed by [[Albert Pyun]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Punch Lineage|language=en|work=tribunedigital-chicagotribune|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/08/27/punch-lineage/|access-date=24 July 2018}}</ref> He chose ''Cyborg'' which premiered in 1989. The film was a low budget box office success and led to two sequels, neither of which Van Damme appeared in.

Cannon used Van Damme again in ''[[Kickboxer (1989 film)|Kickboxer]]'' released that same year. It was highly successful, returning over $50 million on a $3-million budget.<ref>{{cite news | first=Martha | last=Sherrill | title= The muscles from brussels | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=11 August 1991}}</ref> The film started the [[Kickboxer (film series)|''Kickboxer'' franchise]]. He did not appear in any of the film's four sequels, though he did return as a different character in the reboot series.

In 1990, he starred in ''[[Death Warrant (film)|Death Warrant]]'', the first script credit for [[David S. Goyer]]. Also that year he starred in ''[[Lionheart (1990 film)|Lionheart]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-23-fi-42149-story.html|title=Van Damme Gains 'Franchise' Status|last=Bates|first=James|date=23 September 1994|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=23 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412071240/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-23-fi-42149-story.html|archive-date=12 April 2019}}</ref> ''[[Lionheart (1990 film)|Lionheart]]'' was directed by [[Sheldon Lettich]] who had co-written ''Bloodsport'', and said the film was "the first movie to demonstrate that Van Damme was more than just a flash-in-the-pan "Karate Guy" who would never rise above simplistic low-budget karate movies."<ref name="sheldon">[http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/02/05/badass-interview-talking-jean-claude-van-damme-with-lionheart-director-shel Evan Sathoff, "Badass Interview: Talking Jean-Claude Van Damme With LIONHEART Director, Sheldon Lettich", 5 Feb 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620100826/http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/02/05/badass-interview-talking-jean-claude-van-damme-with-lionheart-director-shel |date=20 June 2015 }} accessed 20 June 2015</ref> It also featured rear nudity from Van Damme which Lettich says "became a very memorable moment for the ladies in the audience, and for the gay guys as well. Showing off his butt (clothed or unclothed) almost became a signature trademark of his after that."<ref name="sheldon" />

In 1991, ''[[Double Impact]]'' was released. Directed by Lettich, it features Van Damme in the [[dual role]] of Alex and Chad Wagner, estranged twin brothers fighting to avenge the deaths of their parents. Upon its opening it received mixed reviews. ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' said the film "delivers the goods", while ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' didn't like the plotline and predicted a flop. The film grossed $23,683,813 in its first 28 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/58868 |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref>  It made a total of $30,102,717 in the US.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Double Impact |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0101764/credits/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> Retrospective critics perceive it to be a fun action film, with good comical moments, and a good performance by Van Damme who plays two distinct characters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eoin |date=15 July 2014 |title=Double Impact (1991) Review |url=https://theactionelite.com/double-impact-1991-review/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=The Action Elite |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Travis |first=Ed |date=9 June 2019 |title=DOUBLE IMPACT: 2 Van Dammes For The Price Of 1 = Best Deal In Cinema History? |url=https://cinapse.co/double-impact-2-van-dammes-for-the-price-of-1-best-deal-in-cinema-history-29548cf47269 |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Medium |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=October 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Reliving the Summer of 1991 Diary - Week Twelve |url=https://www.brianorndorf.com/2011/08/reliving-the-summer-of-1991-diary-week-twelve.html |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=BRIANORNDORF.COM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Double Impact (1991) – Cinema Crazed |date=22 August 2016 |url=https://www.cinema-crazed.com/blog/2016/08/22/double-impact-1991/ |access-date=4 March 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1992, he starred in one of the biggest blockbusters of the year in the sci-fi action picture, ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'', directed by [[Roland Emmerich]] for [[Carolco]].  Van Damme (as [[Luc Deveraux]]) and [[Dolph Lundgren]] (as Sergeant Andrew Scott) play U.S. soldiers during the [[Vietnam War]] who end up shooting each other dead after Devereaux discovers that Scott has gone insane and resorted to [[War crimes|mutilating civilians]].<ref name="Inc.19922">{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9c8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA19|title=Black Belt|journal=Black Belt. Buyer's Guide|date=October 1992|publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc.|page=19|issn=0277-3066|access-date=21 May 2011}}</ref> They are later [[Undead|reanimated]] in a secret Army project along with a large group of other previously dead soldiers and sent on a mission. At the [[1992 Cannes Film Festival]], Van Damme and Lundgren were involved in a verbal altercation that almost turned physical when both men pushed each other only to be separated, but it was believed to have only been a publicity stunt.<ref name="Uni ebert2">{{cite news|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19920710%2FREVIEWS%2F207100302%2F1023|title=Universal Soldier|date=10 July 1992|access-date=21 May 2011|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|archive-date=27 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927041018/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19920710%2FREVIEWS%2F207100302%2F1023|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Ebert20002">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4uCzo6NkpdsC&pg=PA365|title=I hated, hated, hated this movie|last=Ebert|first=Roger|date=1 April 2000|publisher=Andrews McMeel Publishing|isbn=978-0-7407-0672-1|page=365|access-date=1 August 2011}}</ref> ''Universal Soldier'' opened in theatres on 10 July 1992, a moderate success domestically with $36,299,898 in US ticket sales, but a major blockbuster worldwide, making over $65 million overseas, which earned the film a total of $102 million worldwide, on a $23 million budget.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.courant.com/1994/09/16/van-damme-very-determined/|title=Van Damme very determined|date=16 September 1994|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|access-date=21 May 2011|archive-date=2 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402135437/http://articles.courant.com/1994-09-16/features/9409210865_1_action-director-john-woo-movie-scripts|url-status=live}}</ref>

He was considered to play Simon Phoenix in ''[[Demolition Man (film)|Demolition Man]]''<ref>{{Cite news|title=The Jean-Claude Van Damme/Steven Seagal Movie That Never Will Be...'Demolition Man'|language=en|publisher=MTV News|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2429786/the-jean-claude-van-dammesteven-seagal-movie-that-never-will-bedemolition-man/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223035137/http://www.mtv.com/news/2429786/the-jean-claude-van-dammesteven-seagal-movie-that-never-will-bedemolition-man/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 December 2015|access-date=24 July 2018}}</ref> and was briefly considered for the role of Michael Cheritto in ''[[Heat (1995 film)|Heat]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0113277/trivia?ref_=m_tt_trv_trv|title = Heat (1995) - IMDb|website = [[IMDb]]}}</ref> [[File:Van Damme Cannes.jpg|thumb|right|Van Damme at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] in 1993<ref name="GICannesDate">{{cite web|title=Opening Ceremony In Cannes, France On May 13, 1993|url=http://www.gettyimages.fr/detail/photo-d'actualit%C3%A9/opening-ceremony-in-cannes-france-on-may-13-1993-photo-dactualit%C3%A9/115115390#opening-ceremony-in-cannes-france-on-may-13-1993-jean-claude-van-picture-id115115390|website=Getty Images|date=3 June 2011 |publisher=Getty Inc.|access-date=30 August 2016}}</ref>]]

In 1993, he made a cameo in ''[[Last Action Hero]]'', and starred in ''[[Nowhere to Run (1993 film)|Nowhere To Run]]''. The film was the first in a three-picture deal between Van Damme and [[Columbia Pictures]] and his fee was $3.5 million. Columbia said the film is "true to his audience and goes beyond his audience."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1993/01/22/career-makeover-jean-claude-van-damme|title=Career makeover: Jean-Claude Van Damme|first=Jess|last=Cagle|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=22 January 1993}}</ref>

In 1994, he starred in ''[[Hard Target]]'' for [[Universal Pictures]], the first American film from director [[John Woo]]. Also released that year, he starred in ''[[Timecop]]'', playing a time-traveling cop.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Van Damme Collection: Bloodsport // Timecop (Warner Bros. Double Feature)|date=19 May 2009|language=en, fr, ja|publisher=Warner Home Video|id=8 83929 06918 7|isbn=1-4198-8152-3|medium=film}}</ref> Directed by [[Peter Hyams]], the film was a huge success, grossing over $100 million worldwide, and remains his highest-grossing film in a lead role to date. Also that year, he starred in ''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]],'' written and directed by [[Steven E. de Souza]] for Universal and based on the video game. It was poorly received critically. Though a commercial success, making approximately three times its production cost.

Van Damme and Hyams re-teamed for Universal's ''[[Sudden Death (1995 film)|Sudden Death]]'', released in 1995. Van Damme portrays a [[French Canadians|French Canadian]]-born [[firefighter]] with the [[Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire|Pittsburgh Fire Bureau]] who suffered a personal crisis after he was unable to save a young girl from a house fire. Now removed from active duty, he has become demoted to being [[fire marshal]] for the [[Pittsburgh Civic Arena]], where a gang of terrorists are holding [[U.S. Vice President]] and several other VIPs hostage in a luxury suite during a game. The movie was a modest success.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://filmstories.co.uk/features/sudden-death-the-film-where-van-damme-fought-a-penguin-to-death/|title=Sudden Death: the film where Van Damme fought a penguin to death|first=Matt|last=Edwards|date=21 October 2020|website=Film Stories}}</ref>

In 1996, he starred and directed ''[[The Quest (1996 film)|The Quest]]''. The film, though it under-performed domestically, did better internationally at the box-office and was a commercial success.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nathanrabin.com/happy-place/2022/5/23/jean-claude-van-damme-and-roger-moore-are-a-terrific-twosome-in-van-dammes-1996-directorial-debut-the-quest | title=Jean-Claude van Damme and Roger Moore are a Terrific Twosome in van Damme's 1996 Directorial Debut the Quest | date=23 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm?columnID=20004 | title=The Number One Movie in America: Maximum Risk }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/jean-claude-van-damme-friends.html | title=Jean-Claude van Damme Ashamed of '90s Hit Sitcom Role | date=30 October 2023 }}</ref> That year, he appeared in the TV show ''[[Friends]]'' in the two-part episode "[[The One After the Superbowl]]". He also starred in ''[[Maximum Risk]]'', the first American film directed by [[Ringo Lam]], and their first collaboration. The film was mildly successful at the box office.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/a-lukewarm-action-movie-with-a-very-familiar-twist-gets-reheated-on-streaming/ | title=A lukewarm action movie with a very familiar twist gets reheated on streaming | date=16 September 2022 }}</ref>

He followed up with ''[[Double Team (film)|Double Team]]'' (1997), a sci fi action film with basketball superstar [[Dennis Rodman]]. It was Hong Kong director [[Tsui Hark]]'s American debut.

In 1998, he and Hark reunited on ''[[Knock Off (film)|Knock Off]],'' a [[box-office flop]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/09/movies/09lim.html | title=Hard Body Plays an Old Softie (Himself) | work=The New York Times | date=6 November 2008 | last1=Lim | first1=Dennis }}</ref> Also that year, Van Damme acted in the war film ''[[Legionnaire (film)|Legionnaire]]''. Despite a $35 million budget, it was not released theatrically in the US, only overseas.<ref>{{cite news|title= A Direct Hit? New Van Damme Film Bypasses Theaters, Takes Battle Straight to Video|newspaper= [[Chicago Tribune]]|date=11 February 1999|url= http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-02-11/features/9902110414_1_legionnaire-mobster-video-stores|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120913142722/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-02-11/features/9902110414_1_legionnaire-mobster-video-stores|url-status= dead|archive-date= 13 September 2012|access-date=22 December 2010|first=Donald|last=Liebenson}}</ref>

In 1999, he starred in ''[[Universal Soldier: The Return]]'', (1999), where he returns as [[Luc Deveraux]]. The movie did poorly at the box office debuting at #4, which proved to be his last theatrical release until ''JCVD'' in 2008.<ref>{{cite news | date= 23 August 1999 | first = Richard |last=Natale | title= As 'Sixth Sense' Sizzles, Newcomers Feel a Chill | work= [[The Los Angeles Times]] | url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-aug-23-ca-2814-story.html | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121103071015/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/aug/23/entertainment/ca-2814 | archive-date = 3 November 2012 | access-date= 12 December 2018}}</ref> That year he also starred in ''[[Inferno (1999 film)|Inferno]] (1999).''

=== 2000 to 2007: Switch to direct-to-video ===
[[file:Jean-Claude Van Damme June 2, 2007.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|Van Damme in 2007]]
Released in 2001, ''[[Replicant (film)|Replicant]]'' is the second collaboration between Van Damme and director [[Ringo Lam]], and the fifth time that Van Damme has starred in a [[dual role]]. It co-stars [[Michael Rooker]]. Also that year he starred in ''[[The Order (2001 film)|The Order]]'', directed by [[Sheldon Lettich]], and written by Van Damme.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Order Blu-ray|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Order-Blu-ray/37827/|access-date=2 August 2018}}</ref>

In 2002, he starred in ''[[Derailed (2002 film)|Derailed]].'' ''[[In Hell]]'' is a 2003 American [[Prison film|prison action film]] directed by [[Ringo Lam]]. It is the third collaboration between Van Damme and Lam. Van Damme plays an American working overseas in [[Magnitogorsk]], Russia. That same year, he employed his dancing training in the music video for [[Bob Sinclar]]'s "Kiss My Eyes".

His 2004 film was ''[[Wake of Death]],'' an action film directed by [[Philippe Martinez]]. [[Ringo Lam]] was the original director, but he left the project after a few weeks of filming in Canada. It co-stars [[Simon Yam]], Valerie Tian, [[Tony Schiena]], etc.

In 2005, he played himself in the French film ''[[Narco (film)|Narco]].'' In 2006, he starred in ''[[Second in Command]]'' directed by Simon Fellows, and ''[[The Hard Corps]]'' directed by Sheldon Lettich.

In 2007, he played a small role in ''[[The Exam (2006 film)|The Exam]]'', a Turkish [[Comedy drama|comedy-drama film]] directed by [[Ömer Faruk Sorak]]. Also that year he starred in ''[[Until Death]]''.<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Until Death|date=24 April 2007|last=Fellows|first=Simon|language=en|publisher=Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Inc.|id=0 43396 17699 7|isbn=1-4248-4357-X}}</ref>

=== 2008 to 2013: Return to mainstream ===
[[File:Jean claude Van Damme sur le tournage de JCVD en octobre 2007.jpg|thumb|Van Damme on the set of [[JCVD (film)|''JCVD'']] in October 2007]]

Van Damme returned to the mainstream with the limited theatrical release of the 2008 film ''[[JCVD (film)|JCVD]]'', which received positive reviews. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]] Magazine'' named his performance in the film the second best of the year (after [[Heath Ledger]]'s The Joker in ''[[The Dark Knight]]''),<ref>{{cite news|last=Corliss|first=Richard|title=The Top 10 Everything of 2008: Top 10 Movie Performances|newspaper=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/top10/article/0,30583,1855948_1864351_1864363,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211072609/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/top10/article/0,30583,1855948_1864351_1864363,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 December 2008|access-date=1 October 2009|date=3 November 2008}}</ref> having previously stated that Van Damme "deserves not a black belt, but an Oscar."<ref>{{cite news|last=Corliss|first=Richard|author2=Grossman, Lev |author3=Ponewozik, James |author4= Zoglin, Richard |date=13 November 2008|title=Short List|newspaper=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1858885,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121194258/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1858885,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2008|access-date=1 October 2009}}</ref> Also in 2008, he starred in [[Isaac Florentine]]'s ''[[The Shepherd: Border Patrol]].''

He then reprised his role as [[Luc Deveraux]] alongside [[Dolph Lundgren]] in the 2009 film ''[[Universal Soldier: Regeneration]]'', directed by [[John Hyams]]. The film was released theatrically in the Middle East and Southeast Asia and directly to video in the United States and other parts of the world. Since its release, the film has received mostly positive reviews, with praise towards the performances and surprisingly high production values.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brianorndorf.com/2010/01/film-review-universal-soldier-regeneration.html|title=This is Briandom – Universal Soldier: Regeneration|publisher=Brian Orndorf|access-date=2 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/universal-soldier-regeneration-2009|title=Universal Soldier: Regeneration Review|date=31 December 2009|publisher=[[Dread Central]]|access-date=22 May 2011|archive-date=8 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008114414/http://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/universal-soldier-regeneration-2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/universal_soldier_3/comments.php?reviewid=1865455|title=Universal Soldier: Regeneration Review|author=Villaca, Pablo|website=Rotten Tomatoes|language=pt|access-date=22 May 2011}}</ref>

In 2010, he directed himself in the barely released ''[[Full Love]].'' That same year, he turned down the role of Gunner Jensen in the first instalment of [[The Expendables (2010 film)|''The Expendables'']] and the role went to [[Dolph Lundgren]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Godfrey|first=Alex|date=10 August 2012|title=Jean-Claude Van Damme: 'I tried to play the system; I was blacklisted'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/aug/10/van-damme-expendables-2|access-date=24 July 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

In 2011, he voiced Master Croc in the computer animation film ''[[Kung Fu Panda 2]]''. In the film, he voices a character who helps the heroes of the previous film. That same year, he co-starred with [[Scott Adkins]] in ''[[Assassination Games]]''. Also in 2011, he played a role in the French comedy ''[[Beur sur la ville]].'' Also that year, he starred in his own reality TV show ''[[Jean-Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors|Behind Closed Doors]]''. The show showcases his family life, his personal troubles, and an upcoming fight. Since 2009, he has been planning to make a comeback to fight former boxing Olympic gold-medalist [[Somluck Kamsing]].<ref name="Kickboxing">{{Cite web |last=Baage |first=Natalia  |date=8 September 2009 |title=Jean-Claude Van Damme to fight Somluck Kamsing in K-1 |url=http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Jean-Claude-Van-Damme-to-fight-Somluck-Kamsing-in-K-1.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203180052/http://www.fiveknuckles.com/mma-news/Jean-Claude-Van-Damme-to-fight-Somluck-Kamsing-in-K-1.html/ |archive-date=3 February 2010 |publisher=Five Knuckles}}</ref><ref name="Kamsing">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybNYV0Y55qU "Jean-Claude Van Damme Talks about Kamsing Fight in May or June 2012"]. [[YouTube]]. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2012</ref><ref name="KMRU">[http://www.km.ru/v-rossii/2011/11/11/shou-biznes/zhan-klod-van-damm-reshil-provesti-boi-v-groznom "Жан-Клод Ван Дамм решил провести бой в Грозном"]. KM.RU Новости. 11 November 2011</ref> The fight was a focal point in his ITV reality show ''[[Jean Claude Van Damme: Behind Closed Doors|Behind Closed Doors]]''. The fight has been repeatedly postponed, with many critics doubting it will occur, especially due to the difficulty of booking the venue.<ref name="k636">{{cite web | title=Jean-Claude Van Damme vs Somrak Kamsing in 2012? Are you serious bro? | website=All The Best Fights.com | date=18 October 2012 | url=https://www.allthebestfights.com/somluck-vs-jean-claude-van-damme-vs-somrak-kamsing-fight-december-2012-news-jaca/ | access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>

In 2012, he acted in the Russian [[comedy film]] named ''[[Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon]],'' and ''[[U.F.O. (2013 film)|U.F.O.]]''<ref name="j979">{{cite web | title=Jean-Claude Van Damme to shoot UFO film in Derby | website=BBC News | date=15 August 2011 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-14530408 | access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>  He starred in ''[[Dragon Eyes]]'', ''[[Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning]]'', and ''[[Six Bullets]]''.<ref>White, James (22 June 2011). [http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=31296 "Jean-Claude Van Damme Finds Six Bullets."] ''Empire (film magazine)''. Retrieved 3 April 2014.</ref>

Also that year, he starred as the main villain in ''[[The Expendables 2]]''. The film series follows a mercenary group as they undertake a mission which evolves into a quest for revenge against a rival mercenary (Van Damme). The film was a success, grossing over $310 million worldwide, and was his big return to the action genre.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/gpfv7m/jean-claude-van-damme-expendables-2-interview | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113124737/https://www.mtv.com/news/gpfv7m/jean-claude-van-damme-expendables-2-interview | url-status=dead | archive-date=13 November 2023 | title=Q&A: Jean-Claude van Damme Kicks It with Us, Talks Villainy, Sequels & Remakes | website=[[MTV]] }}</ref> ''Empire''{{'}}s Nick de Semlyen praised Van Damme's "grandstanding, plutonium-crazed baddie" and Lundgren's "action-troll" as high points in the film.<ref name="RevEmpire">{{cite news|first=Nick |last=de Semlyen |title=The Expendables 2 |url=https://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=137367 |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |publisher=[[Bauer Media Group]] |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=16 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114082255/http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=137367 |archive-date=14 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Also that year, he was seen as part of Kam Sing's ring crew when Kam Sing fought against [[Jomhod Kiatadisak]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7U_hM8ve8A "Somrack Kamsing and Jean-Claude Van Damme - Friendship and hon"]. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved 29 November 2013.</ref> He also appeared in commercials for [[Coors Light]] beer, showing him on a snow-covered mountain wearing a sleeveless denim jacket,<ref>Nudd, Tim (17 June 2011). [http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-coors-light-132657 "Ad of the Day: Coors Light Jean Claude Van Damme compares the beer to his frozen crotch"]. ''[[Adweek]]''.</ref> and for the washing powder Dash. On 21 October 2012, he was honored with a life-size statue of himself in his hometown of [[Brussels]]. He told reporters during the unveiling, "Belgium is paying me back something, but really it's to pay back to the dream. So when people come by here, it is not Jean-Claude van Damme but it's a guy from the street who believed in something. I want the statue to represent that".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121028201429/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hollywood/article/87661.html "Jean-Claude Van Damme statue unveiled"]. India Glitz. 26 October 2012</ref>

In 2013, he acted in the comedy ''[[Welcome to the Jungle (2013 film)|Welcome to the Jungle]].'' Also that year'','' he played the main villain in ''[[Enemies Closer]],'' an American [[Action film|action]] [[thriller film]] directed by [[Peter Hyams]].<ref>[http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/607077-exclusive-poster-enemies-closer "Exclusive Poster: Enemies Closer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913120834/http://www.craveonline.com/film/articles/607077-exclusive-poster-enemies-closer |date=13 September 2014 }}. [[CraveOnline]]. 20 November 2013.</ref> On 13 November 2013, [[Volvo Trucks]] released an advertisement on [[YouTube]] that shows Van Damme doing the [[Split (gymnastics)|splits]] while perched with each of his feet on the outer rearview mirrors of one [[semi-trailer truck]] and one [[box truck]] moving backwards, which he describes in the commercial as "the most epic of splits". The video quickly went viral around the web, receiving more than 11 million views in three days,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://descrier.co.uk/oddities/2013/11/watch-jean-claude-van-damme-splits-two-volvo-trucks/|title=Watch Jean-Claude Van Damme do the splits between two Volvo trucks|date=16 November 2013|work=The Descrier|access-date=27 November 2013}}</ref> 35 million in the first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stargazing_blog/2013/11/channing_tatum_recreates_jean_claude_van_damme_s_epic_split.html|title=Channing Tatum recreates Jean-Claude Van Damme's epic split|author=Arpe, Malene|date=20 November 2013|work=[[Toronto Star|The Star]]|access-date=27 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123123208/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stargazing_blog/2013/11/channing_tatum_recreates_jean_claude_van_damme_s_epic_split.html|archive-date=23 November 2013|url-status=dead}} The Descrier. 16 November 2013</ref> It was dubbed as ''[[The Epic Split]]''.<ref name="n949">{{cite web | last=Nudd | first=Tim | title=Why Van Damme's 'Epic Split' Was the Perfect Storm for One NYC Creative Director | website=Adweek | date=25 August 2017 | url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/why-van-dammes-epic-split-was-the-perfect-storm-for-one-nyc-creative-director/ | access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref>

=== 2014–present: Subsequent films ===
''[[Swelter (film)|Swelter]]'' is a 2014 American action film where he plays one of the leads. It stars [[Lennie James]], and co-stars [[Grant Bowler]], [[Josh Henderson]], and [[Alfred Molina]]. James plays a sheriff in a small town who has a dark past that he can not remember, only to have to confront it when his ex-partners show up looking for stolen money they believe he has.

In 2015, he starred in the [[Action film|action]] [[Thriller film|thriller]] film ''[[Pound of Flesh (2015 film)|Pound of Flesh]],'' directed by [[Ernie Barbarash]]. Also that year, he had a supporting role in a Chinese [[Superhero film|superhero]] [[parody film]].

In 2016, he returned to his voice role of Master Croc in the [[Kung Fu Panda (franchise)|''Kung Fu Panda'' franchise]] for the [[Kung Fu Panda 3|third installment]]. Also that year, he acted in ''[[Kickboxer: Vengeance]]'' directed by [[John Stockwell (actor)|John Stockwell]]. It is a reboot of the original where he was the lead. That year he also played the lead in the TV series ''[[Jean-Claude Van Johnson]]''.

In 2017, he starred in ''[[Kill 'Em All (film)|Kill 'Em All]]'', an action film directed by [[Pjetër Malota|Peter Malota]].

In 2018, he returned to his role in ''[[Kickboxer: Retaliation]],'' a sequel to the reboot.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kickboxer: Retaliation (2018) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kickboxer_retaliation |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref> That same year, he acted in ''[[Black Water (2018 film)|Black Water]]''. It co-stars [[Dolph Lundgren]] in the fifth collaboration between both actors<ref name="DBaldwin">Baldwin, Daniel. [http://www.cinemarunner.com/2017/05/02/trailer-lundgren-jcvd-deep-black-water/ "JCVD & Lundgren Are Deep In 'Black Water'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503085041/http://www.cinemarunner.com/2017/05/02/trailer-lundgren-jcvd-deep-black-water/ |date=3 May 2017 }}, ''www.cinemarunner.com'', published 2 May 2017. Retrieved 15 May 2017.</ref> as well as the first time they appear together as on-screen allies.<ref name="i610">{{cite web | last=Kit | first=Borys | title=Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren Team for Action Thriller 'Black Water' | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=4 January 2017 | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jean-claude-van-damme-dolph-lundgren-team-action-thriller-black-water-960784/ | access-date=2 September 2024}}</ref> In 22 August of that same year, he starred in [[Julien Leclercq (director)|Julien Leclercq]]'s [[The Bouncer (film)|''The Bouncer'']].

In 2019, he starred in ''[[We Die Young (film)|We Die Young]]''.<ref name="x477">{{cite web | last=Schaefer | first=Sandy | title=We Die Young Trailer: Jean-Claude Van Damme Battles Drug Lords | website=ScreenRant | date=21 January 2019 | url=https://screenrant.com/we-die-young-trailer-jean-claude-van-damme/ | access-date=24 August 2024}}</ref> In 2021, he starred in ''[[The Last Mercenary (2021 film)|The Last Mercenary]].''<ref name="y283">{{cite web | last=Ordoña | first=Michael | title=Review: Jean-Claude Van Damme still kicking in the amusing 'The Last Mercenary' | website=Los Angeles Times | date=30 July 2021 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2021-07-30/review-jean-claude-van-damme-last-mercenary | access-date=2 September 2024}}</ref> In 2022, he voiced the character Jean-Clawed in the computer animation film ''[[Minions: The Rise of Gru]]''.<ref name="y819">{{cite web | last=Bennett | first=Tara | title='Minions: The Rise of Gru' is the 'Expendables' of animation, featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, and more | website=SYFY Official Site | date=30 June 2022 | url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/minions-rise-gru-cast-jean-claude-van-damme-lucy-lawless-dolph-lundgren | access-date=2 September 2024}}</ref>

In 2023, he featured his likeness and voice as [[Johnny Cage]] in the fighting game ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'' (2023).<ref name="faq">{{Cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://www.mortalkombat.com/en-us/faq |website=MortalKombat.com}}</ref> In 2024, he debuted in ''[[Hitman 3|Hitman: World of Assassination]]'' as the game's latest "elusive target". The game features Van Damme in the role of Max Valliant, a former ICA agent who avoided a previous assassination attempt several years prior.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=5 December 2024 |title=Hitman's next elusive target is Jean-Claude Van Damme |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/491531/hitman-jean-claude-van-damme-elusive-target-dlc |access-date=6 December 2024 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>