Jason Statham is preparing to team up once more with director Guy Ritchie for their sixth joint project, an action thriller titled Viva La Madness. The film, based on JJ Connolly’s novel of the same name, is scheduled to begin filming in January 2026. This new venture follows their 2023 movie Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, which did not meet audience expectations. Fans of the Jason Statham Guy Ritchie partnership are anticipating a combination of Statham’s signature tough action style and Richie’s distinctive storytelling.
The Story and Its Origins
Viva La Madness draws inspiration from Connolly’s 2011 darkly comic novel, which itself is a sequel to the bestselling crime novel Layer Cake. Although the movie takes its premise from the book, it will not directly continue or connect to the 2004 Layer Cake film. Instead, the project will introduce new characters and plotlines to create a standalone story. The novel’s narrative centers on a London drug dealer known as X, diving deep into a world filled with crime, drugs, and deceit.
Production Details and Current Cast
The project has been organized by Statham and producer Thomas Benski, with Punch Palace Productions, Lumina Studios, and Toff Guy Films handling production responsibilities, and Black Bear managing production and international sales at the American Film Market. Currently, Jason Statham is the only cast member officially confirmed, while Guy Ritchie is set to write and direct the film.
Background of the Source Material and Prior Collaborations
The 2004 crime drama Layer Cake was directed by Matthew Vaughn and starred Daniel Craig. Vaughn had previously worked alongside Statham and Ritchie on titles like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. A sequel to Layer Cake has been rumored for more than ten years, with Ritchie and Statham reportedly in talks about adapting Viva La Madness since 2013. Meanwhile, Statham is also attached to another action film, Mutiny, a Lionsgate production directed by Jean-François Richet, set for release on August 21, 2026.
Details on Jason Statham’s Other Upcoming Film, Mutiny
In Mutiny, Statham will portray Cole Reed, a man falsely accused of murdering his billionaire employer. The plot follows Reed as he boards a cargo ship in search of revenge and stumbles upon a wide-reaching conspiracy. The cast features Annabelle Wallis, Roland Møller, Ramon Tikaram, Arnas Fedaravičius, Jason Wong, and Adrian Lester. The screenplay is by Lindsay Michel and JP Davis, with production led by Marc Butan alongside Statham.
Significance and Anticipation for the New Projects
The reunion of the Jason Statham Guy Ritchie duo for Viva La Madness signals a hopeful return to the dynamic action-thrillers that first earned them acclaim, even if their prior recent effort underwhelmed audiences. Given the story’s crime-laden, intense roots and new narrative approach, the film aims to captivate viewers without relying on prior film continuity. Meanwhile, Statham’s role in Mutiny further reinforces his position as a leading figure in the action genre. Both projects highlight his ongoing collaboration with notable directors and showcase his commitment to high-stakes, intense cinematic experiences.
