Jason Statham, the action movie star known for his roles in high-adrenaline films, has recently expressed his interest in playing the iconic character of James Bond. His desire to step into the shoes of the legendary spy was humorously highlighted by his remark, “I keep WhatsApping Barbara Broccoli, but she doesn’t reply,” showcasing his keen but so far unreciprocated interest in the role.
Statham’s comments came amid discussions of his latest project, “The Beekeeper,” which is generating significant buzz and is set to release next year. While speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival, Statham shared his excitement about the film: “I can’t wait for people to see that. It’s really sophisticated and cool, full of heart and excitement,” adding, “It’s a great film. The result is obviously yet to be seen, but I’m really, really proud of the movie.”
“The Beekeeper” delves into the life of Adam Clay, a character who, after a life of seclusion tending to bees, is drawn back into a world of action when scammers target an elderly woman he knows. Discussing the film’s potential, Statham noted, “The whole movie escalates in terms of the action. And it goes through an incredible, great crescendo. The whole world [of the film] has a mythology of the ‘beekeeping’ world. If we were fortunate enough to make a sequel, we have a whole world that we can dive into.”
His collaboration with director David Ayer on “The Beekeeper” has already led to another joint project, “Levon’s Trade,” based on a script by Sylvester Stallone and adapted from a novel by Chuck Dixon. Statham expressed his admiration for Stallone’s writing talent and Ayer’s scriptwriting skills, indicating high expectations for this upcoming film.
Reflecting on his career, Statham described his journey as surreal, “Being in the film industry is always a pinch-yourself moment. If I look back at my beginnings, I don’t have an authentic transition from what I used to do into this world of glamour and big spectacle events. I’m still pinching myself after a couple of decades. The old arm is now thoroughly bruised.”
From his early days in British crime films to becoming a recognized action hero in Hollywood, Statham views his career path as a mix of instinct and luck. He credits his physical prowess and martial arts skills for integrating well into the action genre. Despite the commercial success, he acknowledges the general undervaluation of action movies, especially at award shows, yet remains positive, citing the global appreciation for the genre.
Statham has been an advocate for the recognition of stunt performers in cinema, especially for their work in action-packed films like the James Bond series. He believes that stunt performers deserve their own category at award ceremonies like the Oscars, given their talent and the risks they take for film production.
While Statham has had successful stints in ensemble casts like “Fast and Furious” and “The Expendables,” he has steered clear of the superhero genre. He explains his preference for more realistic action films, citing inspiration from stars like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and earlier icons like Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood.
More: Fast X Salaries Revealed: Statham Outearns Momoa 3x and Larson 5x
