Jean-Claude Van Damme fans know that he’s no stranger to doing the splits in the most awesome of fashions; his films are full of them, from mid-air kicks to the old across-two-chairs routine. It’s practically his trademark, at this point. That may be why Volvo tapped him for their new commercial.
The martial arts master stars in the ad along with two Volvo trucks, which he positions himself between in order to perform his most epic splits routine yet.
“I’ve had my ups and downs, my fair share of bumpy roads and heavy winds,” Van Damme says in the ad. “That’s what made me what I am today. Now I stand here before you, what you see is a body crafted to perfection, a pair of legs engineered to defy the laws of physiques and a mindset to master the most epic of splits.”
The actor called the move “majestic” and, obviously, the company issued a warning along with the ad letting consumers know they should not try the stunt at home.
“It’s going to be quite unusual, and the first time we’ll ever see anything like it – in a movie or a commercial,” Van Damme said. “Before doing the split between the trucks, I saw the storyboard and thought it looked amazing. It’s very majestic and very powerful.”