“The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter” Theatrical Poster
Cult filmmaker/martial arts star Jalal Merhi (Expect No Mercy) brings us back to the straight-to-video/DVD era with Film One Media’s The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter, a by-name/thematic sequel to his The Circuit film series (2002-2006) that starred Olivier Gruner (Angel Town), and highlighted other MA genre stars such as Loren Avedon (Manhattan Chase), James Lew (Ninja Turf) and Lorenzo Lamas (Final Impact).
For this film, Merhi stays behind the camera to direct while martial arts sensation Billy Blanks (Expect No Mercy) takes the lead opposite rising star, David “Bolo Jr” Yeung (yes, Bolo’s real-life son!).
Along with the soon-to-be-released The Last Kumite (also starring Bolo Jr), The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter marks a welcome comeback for Blanks. There’s no word on who’ll be handling the action choreography for the film, but given Merhi’s track record of directing his own action, it’s a safe bet he’s at least one of the fight coordinators.
The Circuit 4: Faith Fighter is expected for release later this year. Fow now, we leave you with the film’s Trailer (via Action-Flix) below. By the way, is that Olivier Gruner we see?
Did I spot a digitally de-aged version of Billy Blanks (well, the social media “make yourself look young again” filter at least) AND someone working out to one of his Tai Bo videos on TV in the same trailer!? Mind. Blown.
Circuit 4? When did they make Circuit 3? I saw the first two (these were terrible) but ultimately am flabbergasted at this series still riding on 20 years later. Aren’t these guys mid 60s now?
Billy blanks deserves a fresh start considerin the contribution he made in the 90s. I’ve done some research online on Jalal Merhi. He was also a good one.