Jason Statham’s collaboration with director Guy Ritchie, known for blending espionage with action and comedy, has taken a new turn as their 2023 film “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” gains traction on free streaming platforms. Although the movie underperformed during its theatrical release, it is now experiencing renewed interest, highlighting the lasting appeal of the Jason Statham Guy Ritchie action style.
“Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre,” directed by Guy Ritchie and co-written by Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, and Marn Davies, stars Statham as Orson Fortune, a skilled spy. He teams up with Aubrey Plaza’s hacker Sarah Fidel and Josh Hartnett’s actor Danny Francesco to recover a stolen high-tech weapon from billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmonds, played by Hugh Grant. While Statham’s character might not be James Bond, Orson Fortune delivers a similarly thrilling experience for fans of spy action movies.
Plot Overview: An Undercover Mission to Stop Deadly Technology
The film follows secret agent Orson Fortune as he races to prevent a deadly weapons technology from falling into the wrong hands. With assistance from top operatives including Sarah Fidel, Cary Elwes, and Bugzy Malone, Fortune enlists Danny Francesco—a famous Hollywood actor—to help on a globe-spanning covert mission. This unlikely team combines their unique talents to fight against Greg Simmonds’ dangerous ambitions in a spy comedy filled with tension and humor.
“In the film, super spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant). Reluctantly teamed with some of the world’s best operatives (Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Bugzy Malone), Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett) to help them on their globe-trotting undercover mission to save the world.” —Official Synopsis
Critical Reception and Audience Response Diverge
Despite its energetic action sequences and a cast of well-known actors, “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” struggled financially, earning $49 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. Critics’ reviews were mixed, reflected in its 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the film resonated more positively with viewers, earning an impressive 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, which tracks audience reactions. Fans praised the film as a fun and action-packed spy thriller, blending Guy Ritchie’s direction with Jason Statham’s intense performance.
“Funny and full of action, Operation Fortune is an exciting enough spy thriller that should satisfy fans of Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham,”
—Audience Consensus, Popcornmeter
A Longstanding Partnership Between Director and Star
The creative partnership between Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham dates back to the late 1990s, when Ritchie cast Statham in
“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”
Since then, the duo reunited multiple times on films such as “Snatch,” “Revolver,” and “Wrath of Man.” Their shared history has helped shape the modern action genre, combining witty dialogue and fast-paced storytelling with Statham’s signature physicality.
Jason Statham’s Continued Rise as an Action Icon
Jason Statham remains one of the most enduring action stars in cinema, with upcoming projects that reinforce his blockbuster status. He is set to lead “The Beekeeper 2,” directed by Timo Tjahjanto, and will star in “Mutiny,” helmed by Jean-François Richet, known for “Plane.” Additionally, Statham will collaborate once again with director Ric Roman Waugh in an untitled action film about a reclusive man from a remote Scottish island who, after saving a young girl, faces a dangerous assault on his home, forcing him to confront his troubled past.
Main Cast Bringing Spy Action to Life
“Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” stars Jason Statham as Orson Fortune, who leads the espionage mission. Aubrey Plaza plays Sarah Fidel, the talented hacker aiding the team, while Josh Hartnett portrays Danny Francesco, a movie star recruited for the undercover operation. The antagonist, Greg Simmonds, is played by Hugh Grant. Supporting roles include Cary Elwes and Bugzy Malone, who provide additional layers to the spy ensemble.
