Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham have forged a notable creative partnership in British cinema, grounded in their early struggles and shared history. Central to their journey was Vinnie Jones, who Ritchie credits for helping them navigate their beginnings when they lacked money and recognition, setting the stage for Jason Statham career launch.
Reflecting on their breakthrough with the 1998 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Ritchie described their bond:
“They are like brothers to me,”
and added,
“Vinnie was forever paying for taxis when Statham and I had no money.”
Vinnie Jones’ Role in Their Early Days
Vinnie Jones shared his own account, highlighting a significant gesture that helped shape their futures. During a Netflix Q&A for The Gentlemen, he recalled meeting Ritchie and producer Matthew Vaughn for discussions at an upscale golf club, where he ended up paying for their coffee due to their tight finances.
“I’ve known Guy for 30 years, dating back to when we did Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels together. I first met him and Matthew Vaughn to talk about the film at a posh golf club, and I ended up paying for the coffee because they didn’t have enough money. Afterwards, he used to stay with me in America and so did Matthew and Jason Statham. We were like a band of brothers, and we still are now. So going to work on The Gentlemen is like being on set with one of your best mates.”
Decades of Collaboration and Shared Success
Jones, who currently plays the character Geoff Seacombe in The Gentlemen, considers that moment as the true catalyst for all their accomplishments. Reflecting on their journey from those early days, he stated:
“We’ve come a long way since Lock, Stock,”
and added,
“Even driving to set (and I still do drive myself), I would think about the fact that if it hadn’t been for that cup of coffee thirty years ago, and if it hadn’t been for Lock, Stock, then The Gentlemen wouldn’t be happening. Everything would have been different.”
Guy Ritchie’s professional ties with both Statham and Jones have flourished across many years, producing iconic films that have shaped modern action cinema. Ritchie and Statham have worked together on movies such as Snatch, Revolver, Wrath of Man, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, all reflecting their ongoing creative synergy.
Currently, as Ritchie continues filming The Gentlemen Season 2 and prepares the forthcoming movie Viva La Madness with Statham, their long-standing collaboration remains a fundamental aspect of Ritchie’s filmmaking approach. Considering their history, a role for Vinnie Jones in future projects seems fitting as a tribute to their shared past.
About The Gentlemen and Its Cast
The Gentlemen is available for streaming on Netflix, featuring a cast that includes Henry Golding and Jeremy Strong among others. The film highlights Ritchie’s blend of sharp storytelling and character-driven drama, supported by this talented ensemble.
