Jean-Claude Van Damme's Epic Split stunt goes viral

Film star Jean-Claude Van Damme appears to be making a comeback, albeit on the small screen, after starring in an advertisement that has become an Internet hit.

The commercial for Volvo Trucks involves him performing a stunt that appears to defy the physics of both human flexibility and automotive stability.

'The Epic Split' has been played 10 millions times since it was uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Volvo Trucks confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that the stunt was genuine, but that hidden safety features meant the Belgian martial arts actor was never in real danger.

“It’s a daring stunt but we had full control. There was never any real danger involved,” he said.

Hidden safety cords meant Van Damme could not have fallen to the road below, and small platforms on the wing mirrors provided extra support.

It follows another nail-biting stunt called 'The Ballerina Stunt' which has attracted more than seven million clicks since August:

The Epic Split was reportedly performed in a single take on a disused airstrip just north of Madrid in Spain. The production team rehearsed the stunt for three days.