10 Things You Didn’t Know About American Ninja

I first became aware of Olive Films when they released two classic Charles Bronson films on Blu-Ray, Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects and Messenger of Death.

Among the other classic action flicks Olive has released in beautiful Blu-ray high definition include Stone Cold starring Brian Bosworth, Behind Enemy Lines starring Thomas Ian Griffith, The Perfect Weapon starring Jeff Speakman and The Running Man starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But I have to say Olive Films has really outdone themselves with their most recent releases… American Ninja 1 -4.

All four of the American Ninja Blu-rays are packed with special features, including mini-documentaries and commentary tracks and some other unique extras.

Almost immediately after I got my copies out of the mailbox, I popped the original American Ninja in and was in action movie heaven as I listened intently to director Sam Firstenberg’s behind the scenes tale of one of my favorite action movies of all-time. I also enjoyed the documentary entitled “A Rumble in the Jungle: The Making of American Ninja”. The doc featured interviews with Firstenberg, stunt coordinator Steve Lambert, Michael Dudikoff, screenwriter Paul De Mielche and the still hot Judie Aronson!  

Author’s Note: On September 1st, 2016, two weeks after this article was originally posted, I received some feedback from Steven Lambert, the stunt coordinator who worked on American Ninja. Mr. Lambert pointed out some inaccuracies in my article. I appreciate the feedback and have made the necessary corrections. 

If you are a fan of the American Ninja franchise, do yourself a favor and pick up Olive Films’ Blu-ray releases at your earliest convenience. You will not be disappointed. But now I’ll share with you just some of the insights and information I learned as I present to you…

10 Things You Didn’t Know About American Ninja

1. The audition process for the role of Joe Armstrong was done in two parts. First, the actors were tested by stunt coordinator Steven Lambert to see if they would be able to meet the physical requirements for the role. Those who passed part one, then read in front of director Sam Firstenberg and the casting people.

2. Some notable actors who Michael Dudikoff beat out for the role of Joe Armstrong included Chad McQueen (son of Steve) and Mike Norris (son of Chuck).

3.  Steven Lambert wore a special “Michael Dudikoff wig” when doubling for Dudikoff. (Side note: I imagine that wig would sell for at least $500,000 if it were up for auction.)

4. Sam Firstenberg has stated that he gets more e-mails from fans about American Ninja than any other movie he directed.  (Side note: I want to know what Sam Firstenberg’s e-mail is.)

5. The base and military vehicles used in the movie belonged to the Philippine Marine Corps. The base and vehicles were Americanized for the movie. Cannon Films had attempted to shoot the film on one of the many military installations the United States government had in the Philippines, but the script was not approved by the Department of Defense.

6. Martial artist Mike Stone worked with Michael Dudikoff  in Los Angeles prior to the production of American Ninja to school him on the martial arts skills and ninja weaponry he’d need for the role of Joe Armstrong. Steven Lambert took over Dudikoff’s ninja training once they all arrived in the Philippines. Stone would go on to have an on-camera role in the sequel, American Ninja II: The Confrontation.

7. Michael Dudikoff contracted malaria while filming American Ninja.

8. Production of the Chuck Norris film Invasion U.S.A. was running long but MGM had already made commitments with theaters around the country based on Cannon’s projected release date of Invasion U.S.A. So Cannon Films put the pressure on the production of American Ninja so it could fulfill the theatrical obligations that Invasion U.S.A. was not going to be able to. This led to American Ninja getting a much wider release than it would have if everything went as originally planned.

9. It was Don Stewart’s idea to make his character, Victor Ortega, a Frenchman.

10. While enjoying a rare day off from production at a lavish hotel in Manila where the cast and crew were staying, Michael Dudikoff and Sam Firstenberg rescued a young girl who was drowning in the hotel pool.