Jason Statham shines in the hilarious 2015 spy comedy Spy. [Image Source: INFOBAE]
Rose Byrne is encouraging more people to watch the 2015 film Spy, describing the Jason Statham spy comedy as a hidden gem in her career. Speaking at the 2026 BAFTAs, Byrne praised the film’s humor and cast, highlighting its growing appreciation among audiences.
Byrne Highlights Spy’s Unseen Appeal and Strong Cast
<pWhen asked by Magic Radio about a film of hers that she considers underrated, Byrne immediately pointed to Spy. She called it a “fantastic comedy” directed by Paul Feig, featuring a talented ensemble including Jason Statham, Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, and herself. Byrne emphasized the film’s humor, stating,
“Oh yeah, Spy. Yeah, it’s a fantastic comedy directed by Paul Feig. With Jason [Statham], Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, and myself. It is so funny,”
Rose Byrne said.
She went on to note the film’s increasing popularity with viewers, who often express surprise at how funny it is. Byrne remarked,
“And people discover it more and more, and they’re like, ‘This movie?!’ And I’m like, ‘I know.’ Melissa is so funny. Statham is so funny. It’s just a joy.”
Spy centers on Susan Cooper, played by Melissa McCarthy, an unconventional CIA analyst who steps into the field to prevent a stolen portable nuclear device from causing catastrophe. Byrne appears as Rayna Boyanov, the daughter of an arms dealer, while Jason Statham and Jude Law portray fellow spies Rick Ford and Bradley Fine. Written and directed by Paul Feig, the film was released by 20th Century Fox in June 2015 and grossed over $235 million globally. It was well received by critics, holding a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Byrne Advocates for a Sequel to Spy
During the BAFTAs carpet event, Byrne reiterated her desire to see a sequel to Spy, a sentiment she previously shared in October with Entertainment Tonight. She expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the story, saying,
Image of: Jason Statham
“Let’s get it started, I agree. I think there was supposed to be one in the works, but it never eventuated.”
Byrne also shared how fans continue to rediscover the movie, telling ET,
“I love that film. It’s been rediscovered more and more. People have come up to me and gone, ‘I really love that movie.’ It’s an absolute, like, treasure. It’s such a fun watch.”
Paul Feig did announce plans to write a sequel shortly after Spy’s release, confirming that Jason Statham’s character Rick Ford would return. Despite this, by 2019 Feig revealed that the studio had not shown interest in moving forward with Spy 2. He stated,
“there hasn’t been interest from the studio”
even though he believed the story had a perfect setup for continuation.
Rose Byrne’s Recent Accolades for Dramatic Work
Byrne attended the 2026 BAFTAs as a nominee for her leading role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, portraying a troubled mother. Although she lost the Best Actress in a Leading Role award to Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Byrne continues to receive recognition for her performance. She holds two upcoming nominations for the same role: Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role at the Actor Awards and Best Actress at the Academy Awards, scheduled for March 1 and March 15, respectively.
Meanwhile, Spy remains accessible to audiences through premium video on demand platforms, allowing new viewers to discover the film’s blend of action and comedy.
