Jason Statham, the action movie icon, has built a career on high-octane chases, bruising fight scenes, and gravity-defying stunts. However, the 58-year-old actor admits that his commitment to performing his own stunts has sometimes come at a cost, with the star revealing that he has “taken a lot of stunts too far” over the years.
Speaking to BBC News at the premiere of his latest film, “Shelter,” Statham acknowledged that his passion for on-screen action has led to a few injuries, including hurting his neck and other body parts. “When you get hurt, a lot of the time you think, ‘why did I do that, why didn’t I get a stunt man to do that?'” he said, reflecting on the mistakes he has made.
Despite these setbacks, Statham shows little inclination to step back from the physical demands of his work, maintaining an “in for a penny, in for a pound” mentality. “I like to get in front of the camera and do as much as I can,” he explained, noting that his years of training in various disciplines have given him the technical skills to take on complex action sequences.
Addressing the challenges of aging in the action genre, Statham laughed that he’s “not that old” and revealed that his secret to longevity is “lots of physio.” He added that while he may be “less bouncy” than when he was 25, he’s still going strong, with several high-profile projects in the works, including “Mutiny” and a sequel to “The Beekeeper.”
Statham’s latest film, “Shelter,” is a departure from his typical action fare, with the actor playing a reclusive former assassin whose isolated life is shattered when rescuing a young girl forces him to confront violent enemies and his own past. Director Ric Waugh described the film as having a “thriller element” that “punches you in the gut,” emphasizing his preference for authentic, grounded action over visual effects.
One of the most challenging sequences in “Shelter” was an open-sea rescue, which Statham described as particularly punishing. “It’s hard to make underwater work look good, and anyone will know that swimming with a jacket and size 10 boots on isn’t easy,” he said.
Despite the intensity of the stunts, Statham insists that nerves are no longer a concern for him. “There’s nothing to be nervous about anymore, I’ve done it for a few too many years now,” he said, describing the few nerves he does feel as a “desire to do something good and get it right.”
As Statham prepares to star in several high-profile projects in the coming year, including a reunion with director Guy Ritchie, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of on-screen action, even if it means the occasional injury. “I like to get in front of the camera and do as much as I can,” he said, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
