On this day February 24 1989 American Ninja 3 Blood Hunt was released in Los Angeles continuing the martial arts action franchise. This installment introduced a new lead with David Bradley taking over the main role while Steve James returned as Curtis Jackson.
Directed by Cedric Sundstrom the film followed a new storyline with Bradley playing Sean Davidson a highly trained martial artist who must stop a villain known as The Cobra from unleashing a deadly virus. Unlike the first two films this entry did not feature Michael Dudikoff who had been the franchise’s original star.
Despite carrying on the series’ signature mix of ninjutsu action and over the top fight scenes American Ninja 3 struggled at the box office earning only 902000 dollars. While it did not reach the popularity of its predecessors it remained a cult favorite among fans of 80s martial arts cinema.
80s insight: David Bradley who took over the lead role in American Ninja 3 was originally a martial arts instructor before becoming an actor. He would go on to star in multiple American Ninja sequels.
Directed by Cedric Sundstrom the film followed a new storyline with Bradley playing Sean Davidson a highly trained martial artist who must stop a villain known as The Cobra from unleashing a deadly virus. Unlike the first two films this entry did not feature Michael Dudikoff who had been the franchise’s original star.
Despite carrying on the series’ signature mix of ninjutsu action and over the top fight scenes American Ninja 3 struggled at the box office earning only 902000 dollars. While it did not reach the popularity of its predecessors it remained a cult favorite among fans of 80s martial arts cinema.
80s insight: David Bradley who took over the lead role in American Ninja 3 was originally a martial arts instructor before becoming an actor. He would go on to star in multiple American Ninja sequels.
