Jason Statham Returns for The Beekeeper 2 This Fall

LOS ANGELES, CA — Jason Statham is set to reprise his role in “The Beekeeper 2,” a sequel to the action thriller that grossed $162.6 million worldwide in 2024. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work on “Nobody 2,” the film will begin production this fall, with a screenplay written by Kurt Wimmer.

The original film, directed by David Ayer, followed Statham’s character, Adam Clay, a retired government operative whose life takes a dark turn when a phishing scam impacts his kind-hearted landlady, leading him on a path of vengeance. As Clay seeks to right the wrongs inflicted on her and her charity, viewers can expect the intense action and gritty narrative characteristic of Statham’s films.

According to reports, Ayer is in production on another project, “The Heart of the Beast,” featuring Brad Pitt. However, production officials are aiming to involve Ayer as a producer for the sequel.

Amazon/MGM Studios is in discussions to handle domestic distribution for “The Beekeeper 2.” The original film, released during a challenging box office period due to a writers’ strike, filled a gap in action-thriller offerings and proved to be financially successful.

Tjahjanto, who has garnered attention for his previous work on popular Indonesian features such as “The Shadow Strays” and “The Night Comes for Us,” will take the helm, bringing his unique approach to the sequel. Statham will also produce alongside Chris Long through their respective production companies, Punch Palace Productions and Long Shot Productions.

The first film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its entertaining aspects despite its over-the-top violence. Peter Debruge of Variety described the film as “the best kind of bad movie” that prioritizes entertainment over pretentiousness, suggesting that the sequel could follow in similar footsteps.

Statham hinted at the possibility of a sequel before the release of the first film, stating, “The whole movie escalates in terms of the action. If we were fortunate enough to make a sequel, we have a whole world that we can dive into.”

With anticipation building, audiences can look forward to Statham returning to the role of the titular Beekeeper in what promises to be another action-packed installment of the franchise.