Fans looking for more Jason Statham action movies after A Working Man should not overlook Homefront, an intense 2013 thriller that also showcases Statham’s skill as an action star. Both movies, with heavy involvement from Sylvester Stallone in their development and writing, share striking similarities in theme, character, and tone, making Homefront essential viewing for anyone captivated by the gritty action and emotionally charged storytelling of A Working Man.
Connections Between Homefront and A Working Man
Statham and Stallone have built a collaborative relationship through projects like The Expendables, but their work extends beyond that franchise. Homefront, released in 2013 and based on the Phil Broker novels by Chuck Logan, originated as a project Stallone initially developed for himself as a possible Rambo sequel. When the concept evolved, Stallone decided to tailor the screenplay for Statham instead, mirroring how he later crafted A Working Man, an adaptation of Chuck Dixon’s Levon Cade books.
Both films cast Statham as a widowed father. In Homefront, he plays Phil Broker, a retired DEA agent whose quiet life with his daughter is upended when he clashes with a local meth dealer portrayed by James Franco. The storyline quickly escalates into violence, with Statham’s character forced to use his skills to protect his family. In A Working Man, released in 2025 and directed by David Ayer, Statham embodies Levon Cade, a black ops veteran whose efforts to live peacefully are disrupted when he is drawn into a dangerous search for his boss’s kidnapped daughter.
The two films not only share themes of past violence catching up with the lead character but are both based on popular thriller novels whose rights Stallone acquired. While Broker’s father–daughter dynamic is central in Homefront, Cade’s relationship with his child takes a back seat in A Working Man. Another distinguishing factor is that Homefront tends to be more grounded, whereas A Working Man embraces over-the-top action sequences as its plot unfolds.
Stallone’s Writing Shines in Both Films
Sylvester Stallone’s influence as a screenwriter is evident across these movies. Famous primarily for starring in and writing the Rocky and Rambo series, Stallone has lent his pen to numerous action features and even authored some novelizations, such as Paradise Alley. For both Homefront and A Working Man, Stallone focused on scripts that play to Jason Statham’s strengths, balancing intense fight scenes with moments that reveal the actor’s emotional range.
Stallone’s ability to blend sharp action with character development keeps both films engaging. This approach likely contributed to Homefront assembling a strong supporting cast, including Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, and Frank Grillo. Stallone’s adaptation work benefits from having a solid literary foundation, as he adapts rich characters and tight plots for the big screen, though some details and tone shift from novel to film. For example, while Levon’s Trade—the source for A Working Man—has the bleak air of ’70s vigilante thrillers, Stallone and director David Ayer modernize the style for contemporary audiences, emphasizing high-octane action.
It’s worth noting that Stallone chose not to use the Homefront story as a fourth Rambo film, feeling the Rambo character was not yet suited to an American domestic return or to having a child. This creative decision opened the door for Jason Statham to lead Homefront, establishing a precedent that continued with A Working Man.
How Each Film Establishes a Franchise Blueprint
Although neither movie has launched a long-running franchise yet, both lay the groundwork for sequels. Homefront received a muted box office response upon release, which meant it did not immediately spawn a series, even though there are more Phil Broker novels available for adaptation. A Working Man could be the next attempt at a recurring Jason Statham action franchise, but with only a mixed reception from audiences—reflected by its 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the future remains uncertain. Viewers who enjoyed Statham’s performance in The Beekeeper with David Ayer may find the new film lacking the same blend of sharp action and dark comedy.
The creative alignment between Stallone and Statham, visible across both movies, positions them to potentially lead new action franchises grounded in tough characters, emotional struggles, and relentless conflict. Statham’s portrayals of Phil Broker and Levon Cade both resonate with viewers who enjoy stories where a father’s violent history threatens his peaceful attempts at normal life, a narrative that remains compelling across films.
Why Homefront Is a Must-See for Fans of A Working Man
Homefront deserves more attention among Jason Statham action movies, especially from those who appreciated A Working Man. Beyond the surface connections, the 2013 film delivers a grounded and suspenseful experience, helmed by director Gary Fleder and supported by a cast that includes James Franco as a menacing antagonist. Statham’s Phil Broker is a character defined by loyalty and resourcefulness, facing enemies both old and new as he protects his daughter from escalating threats.
Additionally, Homefront reflects Stallone’s craftsmanship as a storyteller, integrating the action sequences for which both he and Statham are known. By adapting literary thrillers into cinematic showcases for Statham, Stallone has established a template that A Working Man follows closely, making Homefront essential viewing for fans seeking a deeper understanding of how these movies are connected.
The Ongoing Impact of Stallone and Statham’s Partnership
It is clear that the creative partnership between Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham remains a driving force for new action narratives that blend emotion, family ties, and explosive fights. Whether or not A Working Man evolves into a full series, the groundwork set in both films suggests that audiences can expect more script work from Stallone featuring Statham in leading roles that showcase his blend of tough-guy appeal and emotional depth.
With both Homefront and A Working Man reflecting similar themes, styles, and character arcs, fans interested in the evolution of Jason Statham action movies should revisit Homefront as a pivotal entry in his filmography. Understanding the lineage and connections between these films enhances the viewing experience and sets the stage for whatever project Stallone and Statham embark on next.
