Jason Statham Signs On For ‘Layer Cake’ Sequel, Takes Over For Daniel Craig
Jason Statham is ready and willing to fight more people on the big screen.
Although he already has a number of projects lined up at the moment, the Transporter star recently signed on for the follow-up to Daniel Craig and Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake. The sequel is reportedly based on author J.J. Connolly’s novel, Viva La Madness.
According to Deadline, Jason Statham was recently tapped to tackle the role of an unnamed criminal in the movie. The character was originally played by Craig, though his obligation to the James Bond franchise likely prevents him from reprising the role.
If you’ve seen or read Layer Cake, then you’re probably wondering about how the final twist affects the sequel. Without giving too much away, all is apparently well when Viva La Madness opens. Statham’s character, who is living a quiet life in the Caribbean, ultimately returns to London as a closer for a crime syndicate. Drama soon follows.
The Guardian explains that Connolly is writing the screenplay for the Layer Cake sequel. Statham will reportedly serve as a producer on the flick alongside Steve Chasman. The pair is presently looking for a director to helm the adaptation as of this writing.
Of course, this isn’t the only action flick Jason Statham has in the works right now. The busy actor will also star with Melissa McCarthy in The Heat director Paul Feig’s upcoming spy comedy, Susan Cooper. Not surprisingly, it’s believed that the Transporter alum will play the straight man in the flick.
Statham fans still have a number of projects waiting in the wings before the Layer Cake sequel springs to life. In addition to the inevitable Expendables 3, the actor appears in director James Wan’s Fast and Furious 7 and writer Sylvester Stallone’s Homefront.
Directed by Gary Fleder, Homefront tells the story of an ex-DEA agent who retires to a small town with his wife and daughter. Although he’s looking for a little peace and quiet, he soon squares off against a villainous meth deal named Gator (James Franco). Winona Ryder co-stars in the thriller. The movie hits theaters on November 27.
“I’ve done certain kind of roles up to now, and this is different from the usual tough-guy role, who does not show a lot of emotion and is mostly action. In this film you get to see the lighter side of me. Yet there is still the tough-guy element,” Statham told USA Today about his role.
What do you think about Jason Statham taking over for Daniel Craig in the Layer Cake sequel? Are you looking forward to the follow-up?
[Image via Lionsgate]
