According to Variety, action star Jason Statham is eagerly anticipating the release of David Ayer’s upcoming film, “The Beekeeper,” slated for next year. Statham describes the movie as sophisticated, cool, full of heart, and exciting, expressing pride in the project. He highlights its unique storyline involving a character named Adam Clay, portrayed by Statham, who conceals his past as a former operative until circumstances force him to use his skills for vengeance.
“I can’t wait for people to see that. It’s really sophisticated and cool, full of heart and excitement,” he said Thursday at the Red Sea Film Festival. “It’s a great film. The result is obviously yet to be seen, but I’m really, really proud of the movie.”
“The Beekeeper” unfolds as Clay tends to bees in an old lady’s barn (played by Phylicia Rashad), with the plot escalating into a thrilling crescendo of action. Statham envisions the potential for a sequel, noting the film’s establishment of a unique world centered around the “beekeeping” theme.
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.”
Statham and Ayer’s collaboration extends beyond “The Beekeeper,” as they are set to work on another project, “Levon’s Trade,” based on a script by Sylvester Stallone. The film, adapted from Chuck Dixon’s novel, has Statham praising Stallone’s writing skills, emphasizing the collaboration’s creative potential.
“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.”
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Statham acknowledges the surreal nature of his journey from low-budget British crime films to becoming a Hollywood action star. He attributes his success to instinctual choices, leveraging his physical skills and martial arts background into the action genre. While action films may be undervalued in some circles, Statham appreciates the global appeal of the genre and the positive response he receives from audiences worldwide.
t’s not a conscious path that I’m following,” the “Meg” star said. “It’s more instinctual. I landed on a few ladders, and you can certainly land on a few snakes. The film industry can take you up, it can take you down. I stuck to playing to my strengths. I had a physical start to my youth, developing skills in martial arts, sort of aerial awareness, and I integrated those skills into the action genre.”
Statham recognizes the underappreciation of action films at award ceremonies, advocating for stunt performers to have their own category at the Oscars. He emphasizes the immense talent and dedication of stunt performers, suggesting they deserve recognition for their integral role in creating cinematic spectacles.
Action movies are sometimes frowned upon in terms of their integrity, but around the world, people love action cinema. The more I travel, the more I can relate to the people that show me some real positivity in some of the stuff I’ve done, whereas in the award ceremonies, it’s very, very rare that the action movie even gets mentioned. I’m not bitter. I’m having a great career.”
Despite his success, Statham remains grounded and acknowledges that action films are sometimes overlooked in terms of integrity. He expresses contentment with his career choices, steering clear of superhero roles and embracing his affinity for old-school action inspired by iconic figures like Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallone.
I was a big fan of James Bond ever since I was a kid and the spectacle they provide in terms of the car chases and the big set pieces, skiing down the mountain and pulling the parachute. These are physical stunts that take people years and years to learn, and they are putting themselves at great risk for the good of the movie. I think to not have something where they can get recognized is a massive oversight. They are incredibly talented. They work as hard as anyone I’ve ever come across within the industry. And I feel that they should have a moment. I think they are uniquely skilled and are part of some of the greatest, most exciting things we’ve ever seen in cinema.”
In the interview, Statham also humorously mentions reaching out to Barbara Broccoli about James Bond, emphasizing his preference for more grounded action over superhero narratives. Overall, Statham is grateful for his career, emphasizing the enjoyment he derives from the action genre and his commitment to staying true to his cinematic preferences.
“I keep WhatsApping Barbara Broccoli, but she doesn’t reply,” he quipped.
Although Statham joined the ensembles of the “Fast and Furious” franchise and “The Expendables,” he’s not tempted to go the superhero route. “I don’t have a big appetite for a costume, with cape and tights,” he said with a laugh. “I like old school 80s movies. I was inspired by people like Stallone and Arnold. And even before those guys, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and Eastwood. I just couldn’t see any of those guys putting on a cape, and a mask and going around on wires.”
Cinema is like music. Some people like Country and Western, others like heavy metal. I’m drawn to a bit more of a grounded kind of action.” He laughed, recalling some of the crazy action sequences he’s been involved in. “Well, I like being grounded to be an element we inject into the crazy world that we’re in.”
