Paige VanZant Books Role in Kickboxer: Retaliation

Paige VanZant has parlayed her Dancing with the Stars success into her first film role. Deadline reports that VanZant is set to join Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (Game of Thrones) in Kickboxer: Retaliation. The film is a sequel to Kickboxer: Vengeance which stars Jean-Claude Van Damma, Gina Carano and Dave Bautista.

According to the site, the role was specifically written for VanZant after creators watched her on Dancing With The Stars. She will play Gamon, a skilled fighter who also has excellent shooting ability as well as criminal connections.

“Paige is the up-and-coming darling of the UFC and her star quality shines through on camera,” Retaliation producer Rob Hickman told the site. “She’s a tremendous asset to the film both as an onscreen talent and as a trained fighter.”