Jason Statham: From sidecar to solo star of action films

Carlo Pedersoli, better known as Bud Spencer (1929-2016), is no longer the only professional swimmer to become a film phenomenon.

Because Jason Statham, who was part of the British swimming squad for twelve years in a previous life, is currently proving that he has become the most popular action star. His latest film “The Beekeeper” entered our cinemas on January 12th, immediately conquered the top of the visitor charts on its opening weekend (24,255) and currently has more than 57,000 paying film fans for him. On Monday (January 22nd) the production also took first place in North America. It earned more than $76 million worldwide in 13 days.

How does it happen that an Englishman from the town of Shirebrook (population 11,000) sets the tone in Hollywood, the promised land of action heroes? Also someone who is better known as the supporting role henchman from “Fast & Furious” (since 2001) and the ensemble films “The Expendables” (2010-2023)?

On the one hand, the 56-year-old fills a vacuum. On the other hand, the father of an almost two-year-old and a son born in 2016 (with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 36) is not only a really tough guy, but also a personified “Swiss Army Knife” for every action director when it comes to sporting skills and street smarts.

But first things first: So where have the “usual suspects” of the action disappeared to? Currently in obscurity. Keanu Reeves wanted to shelve his “John Wick” series with “Chapter 4” last year. “John Wick 5” is supposed to come out, but when is unclear. Denzel Washington also said goodbye to “The Equalizer” in 2023. Vin Diesel will not park the “Fast & Furious” car action in the garage with “Fast X: Part 2” until 2025. And Dwayne Johnson is hanging in the air because of squabbles in the direction of the comic film house DC with his superhero “Black Adam”. So the path is clear for Statham, who ironically was an adlatus for the careers of Diesel (in “Fast & Furious”) and Johnson (“Hobbs & Shaw”) in the 2020s.

This is where Statham’s cleverness and perseverance stand out. The foundation was laid in childhood and youth. Mother Eileen was a dancer, father Barry was a street seller. A job that Statham didn’t want, but that he took to make ends meet later on. He learned martial arts (karate, kickboxing) at an early age. He is a keen footballer, diver and was also part of the British national diving team. His public life began when a modeling agency discovered him while training in London. He works for clothing brands Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s.

Then the Brit Guy Ritchie came into play, even before he became a directing star. He liked Statham’s excellent experience as a black market jewelry and perfume seller and cast him in the crime comedy “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (1998) and later in “Snatch” (2000). Luc Besson’s “The Transporter” followed in 2002. More than 20 years later, Statham continues his first time as a solo star, but in powerful style.

Short review of the film

Statham plays an ex-elite mercenary who dedicates himself to beekeeping in his boarding house until cybercriminals make him an avenger of oppressed Americans. As expected, grim, funny, brutal, but surprisingly socially critical. USA/GB 2024, 105 mins, now in cinemas HHHIII