Cyborg (1989) is a dystopian science fiction action film directed by Albert Pyun and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the world has been ravaged by a deadly plague, leaving society in ruins and overrun by violent gangs. The film’s protagonist, Gibson Rickenbacker (played by Van Damme), is a mercenary known as a “slinger,” who is hired to protect a cyborg named Pearl Prophet. Pearl holds the key to developing a cure for the plague, but she is being pursued by a vicious gang led by a warlord named Fender Tremolo (played by Vincent Klyn).
As Gibson takes on the mission to escort Pearl, he is driven not only by the need to save humanity but also by a personal vendetta against Fender, who murdered his family. The film features intense martial arts combat, with Van Damme showcasing his trademark fighting style in a series of battles with Fender’s gang.
Cyborg was produced with a modest budget, originally intended to be part of a different project involving Masters of the Universe and a live-action Spider-Man film. Despite its mixed critical reception, it gained a cult following, largely due to its raw, gritty tone and Van Damme’s rising popularity as an action star at the time.
The movie’s blend of post-apocalyptic imagery, cyborg elements, and martial arts action made it stand out in the late ’80s action genre.
