Exclusive Insider Insights on Jason Statham's Blockbuster Action Franchise Revival: Director Speaks Out!

Summary

Director Louis Leterrier expresses interest in reuniting with Jason Statham for another installment of the Transporter franchise.

Statham and Leterrier collaborated on The Transporter and Transporter 2, excluding the third film. Statham subsequently decided against appearing in 2015's The Transporter Refueled due to business reasons, indicating he still retains creative interest in the character.

Although occupied with other action franchises, Statham's recent partnership with Leterrier in Fast X has revived the potential for the duo to collaborate once more.

Transporter director Louis Leterrier recently discussed the possibility of teaming up with Jason Statham again for another installment. The 2002 film introduced Statham as criminal driver Frank Martin and marked his entrance into the action genre. Statham went on to star in two sequels but did not return for The Transporter Refueled in 2015. However, after collaborating on Fast X, Leterrier expressed interest in working with Statham on another Transporter film. While there are no official plans yet, the director is enthusiastic about returning to that universe with Statham. See Leterrier's full comment below.

"That would be a dream come true. We have shot commercials together and have seen each other socially, but it has been a long time since we worked together. It was incredible to see him in action and direct him, especially since it was the beginning of his career and the start of mine with different people. Despite that, our connection and love for each other remain the same. It was truly a pleasure. So, why not pursue something like that? Frank Martin is an exceptional character, and Jason Statham is a phenomenal actor. We definitely need more of the Transporter, don't we?"

Is More Transporter A Good Idea?

The first Transporter film is a straightforward yet enjoyable action movie, serving as a fantastic platform to showcase Statham's talent in acting and combat. Transporter 2, also directed by Leterrier, follows a similar pattern by intensifying the action and increasing the budget. While it didn't receive the same critical acclaim, it managed to double the box office earnings of the first film. However, the third installment, directed by someone other than Leterrier, was a letdown as it failed to bring any exciting innovations to the character's storyline.

Skrein's attempt to fill Statham's shoes in The Transporter Refueled was unsuccessful, and the film was received poorly by critics. Statham later explained that his decision not to return was primarily driven by business concerns. The studio wanted him to commit to a new trilogy without providing him with scripts and offering what he felt was an insufficient salary. Statham's explanation implies that he might have been willing to reprise his role under different circumstances, suggesting there is still a possibility for his return.

Having said that, Statham currently has several other highly profitable franchises. Besides his role in The Meg and its sequel, Statham is also being groomed to become the main face of the Expendables franchise after Sylvester Stallone's exit in the upcoming film. While the opportunity for another Transporter movie may seem to have passed, there is a definite possibility of recapturing the essence of the original installment if both Leterrier and Statham return for a sequel.