Belgian actor Van Damme to build movie studio in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Van Damme has a huge fan base in Turkey due to the popularity of his action movies in the 1990s. DHA Photo

Legendary Belgian actor and martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme arrived in Istanbul on Oct. 20, amid plans to build a movie studio in the city.

Van Damme, who has a huge fan base in Turkey due to the popularity of his action movies in the 1990s, has acquired a 400-hectare property in Istanbul’s western district of Büyükçekmece. According to reports, the movie studio project will amount to $350 million.

The 54-year-old actor, who attended the 51st Antalya Golden Orange festival last week, has visited Istanbul several times since 2011 to scout possible locations for the studio. In recent months, the “Death Warrant” actor has held several meetings with local officials in his bid for a “building warrant.”

Van Damme is expected to issue a press statement regarding the project in coming days.