On this day, February 14, 1986, The Delta Force premiered in theaters, delivering intense action and military heroics. Directed by Menahem Golan, the film starred Chuck Norris as Major Scott McCoy, a fearless Delta Force operative, alongside an ensemble cast that included Lee Marvin, Kim Delaney, and Shelley Winters.
Inspired by real life events, The Delta Force was loosely based on the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The film followed an elite U.S. military unit tasked with rescuing hostages from a terrorist controlled plane. Packed with high stakes action sequences, explosive combat scenes, and Chuck Norris’ signature martial arts moves, the movie became a hit among action fans.
Despite mixed critical reception, The Delta Force performed well at the box office, grossing $17.7 million on a $9 million budget. It became one of the most well-known Cannon Films productions of the 80s and later spawned multiple sequels. The film’s patriotic themes and high octane action solidified its place as a cult favorite in Chuck Norris’ legendary filmography.
80s insight: This was Lee Marvin’s final film role before his passing in 1987. He played Colonel Nick Alexander, the leader of the Delta Force team.
Inspired by real life events, The Delta Force was loosely based on the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847. The film followed an elite U.S. military unit tasked with rescuing hostages from a terrorist controlled plane. Packed with high stakes action sequences, explosive combat scenes, and Chuck Norris’ signature martial arts moves, the movie became a hit among action fans.
Despite mixed critical reception, The Delta Force performed well at the box office, grossing $17.7 million on a $9 million budget. It became one of the most well-known Cannon Films productions of the 80s and later spawned multiple sequels. The film’s patriotic themes and high octane action solidified its place as a cult favorite in Chuck Norris’ legendary filmography.
80s insight: This was Lee Marvin’s final film role before his passing in 1987. He played Colonel Nick Alexander, the leader of the Delta Force team.
