Van Damme’s ‘The Gardener’: Will It Flourish or Fade Away?

To be frank, the latest US trailer for The Gardener resembles a telenovela that’s been awkwardly overdubbed over a cheap John Wick imitation—minus any coherent storyline. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Léo, a hitman with a green thumb (because why not?), leading to an outcome that’s frankly quite foolish. The action sequences fail to capture the exciting spirit of classic JCVD films, and the English dubbing? It feels like watching a kung fu movie voiced by a robot.

From Bloodsport to Bush Trimming—Van Damme’s Odd Career Shift

The plot combines elements of John Wick and The Purge, but it feels like it was crafted by someone with little understanding of action. A French bureaucrat (played by Michaël Youn) and his family find themselves targeted by a government hit list—and their only savior is their gardener, who turns out to be an undercover assassin. Naturally.

Director David Charhon, known for The Last Mercenary, seems to be recycling the “retired tough guy in a normal role” trope without the cleverness of Nobody or the intensity of Taken. The trailer oscillates between humor and a dull thriller vibe. Moreover, we can’t overlook the absence of Van Damme’s signature Belgian accent in the dubbed version—what a shame!

When Action Stars Shift Gears
Van Damme’s transition to “dad action” (like in The Last Mercenary) is reminiscent of Stallone’s time in the Expendables—but with some truly bizarre job roles. Recall The Bouncer (2018), where he was a doorman on a vengeance quest, or The Eagle Path (2020), where he took the role of a hero truck driver? At this pace, his next role might well be The Barista: Double Shot of Revenge.

However, the catch is that The Gardener doesn’t aim to impress. It feels like a product of a streaming service algorithm—a mediocre action movie meant for casual viewing after finishing something like Reacher. And honestly? That could be its saving grace.

Will You Watch—Or Let It Fade Away?

The Gardener is set to release in US theaters and on VOD on June 6. Will you endure the cringe factor to witness JCVD pruning both hedges and adversaries? Or is this a sequel that should have never seen the light of day? Share your thoughts below—preferably in un-dubbed English.