This Lesser-Known Martial Arts Movie Exists To Bring Legends Together

This Lesser-Known Martial Arts Movie Exists To Bring Legends Together

As a lifelong martial arts enthusiast and someone who’s spent countless hours watching action movies, I found myself absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon the spectacle that is “Triple Threat.” This film, with its impressive lineup of martial arts legends, was like a dream come true for me.


In simpler terms, the realm of popular action stars in Hollywood isn’t as vibrant as it once was. People would flock to cinemas to watch movies starring Schwarzenegger or Stallone, with the success of their evening largely resting on the questionable quality of a movie featuring a well-known actor. In the martial arts genre, the dependence on big names can be even stronger because there are only a few individuals who can perform physical feats at that level. A film like “Triple Threat” is an illustration of a martial arts movie that was made primarily to unite some iconic figures for the first time.

In numerous instances, the storyline of a martial arts film often serves as a minimalistic pretext for action-packed fight scenes. Typically, the protagonists are law enforcers or military personnel who resort to fisticuffs and gunplay while combating crooks or terrorists. Occasionally, it’s simplified by organizing a traditional fighting competition. Some productions provide their characters with a touch of emotion, but viewers are often content with watching martial arts masters clash against each other regardless of the motivation behind it.

What is Triple Threat about?

This Lesser-Known Martial Arts Movie Exists To Bring Legends Together

DirectorJesse V. Johnson
ScreenwriterDwayne Smith
Story ByJoey O’ Bryan and Paul Staheli
StarsTony Jaa, Tiger Chen, Iko Uwais, Scott Adkins, Michael Jai White, and Celina Jade
Runtime96 Minutes
Release DateMarch 19, 2019

The movie titled Triple Threat revolves around two ex-special forces soldiers, Payu from Thailand and Long Fei from China, who are now on a humanitarian mission in Thailand under the leadership of a man named Deveraux. However, Deveraux deceives them by revealing that his team’s objective was to free an internationally wanted terrorist called Collins. Deveraux captures Payu and Long and sets up explosives to destroy a local village. A villager named Jaka witnesses his home and family being destroyed, vowing revenge against Deveraux and the others. After escaping, Payu, Long, and Jaka are eventually tracked down to an underground fighting arena, where they discover they share common adversaries. In a series of betrayals and deceptions, Payu, Long, and Jaka must navigate through an army to bring their enemies to justice.

How many martial arts stars appear in Triple Threat?

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to be part of this action-packed adventure featuring Tony Jaa, Tiger Chen, and Iko Uwais – the three main attractions that make this movie a must-watch.

  • Scott Adkins: Adkins portrays Collins, the villain of the piece. Though he isn’t the most well-known performer, Adkins has certainly fought with the best. Adkins gained prominence in the Undisputed series, which eventually gave his breakout character a standalone spin-off. His first starring role was in Ninja, a low-budget action entry that showed off his talents. He’s worked with Jean-Claude Van Damme several times, sometimes replacing him in distant sequels, like Hard Target 2. He fought against Donnie Yen in the fourth Ip Man, then faced Yen and Keanu Reeves in the fourth John Wick.
  • Michael Jai White: Deveraux, the secondary villain, comes to the screen via the star behind Spawn. Though most may recall his turn as Al Simmons in the 1997 comic book classic, White is a dedicated and celebrated martial artist. Unlike most fighters of his level, White stars in a wide variety of projects. White is a practitioner of nine different martial arts, allowing him to dominate on-screen fight scenes in everything from Black Dynamite to Android Cop. Much of White’s current filmography goes straight to DVD, which is a shame.
  • Yanin Vismitananda: Most of the performers in this film have worked together before. Vismitananda appeared alongside Jaa previously in Tom Yum Goong 2, alongside White in Never Back Down: No Surrender, and alongside Adkins in Hard Target 2.
  • Ron Smoorenburg: Known for kicking high, Smoorenburg has small roles in everything from Jackie Chan’s Who Am I?to Thor: Ragnarok.
  • Dominique Vandenberg: A former French Foreign Legion soldier, Vandenberg previously worked with Triple Threat director Jesse V. Johnson and Scott Adkins in Pit Fighter.

Where can you stream Triple Threat?

This Lesser-Known Martial Arts Movie Exists To Bring Legends Together

Triple Threat is available to stream for free on Peacock, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Plex.

Triple Threat” honors the achievements of these martial arts icons, though it may not match the peak moments in their individual careers. However, it does tick all the boxes that were likely set beforehand. A more captivating collaboration from these performers is possible, but for now, “Triple Threat” is certainly worth discovering.

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2024-11-15 20:04