I am not quite sure if Jason Statham would be successful at anything outside of action flicks and greasy Brit gangster films, but I would like to see him try merely because I like the guy. However, it appears he lives by the motto "if it ain't broke don't fix it," as he has lined up yet another starring role in an action feature.

Variety reports Statham will star in Killer Elite for commercials director Gary McKendry based on Ranulph Fiennes' bestseller "The Feathermen."

Fiennes' story is based real events, and follows a group of former British special forces members who are being hunted by assassins. Statham will play a former Navy Seal who is forced out of retirement to save his closest friend.

The plots for Statham's films really make him nothing more than the latest Jean-Claude Van Damme or Steven Seagal. However he has managed to not only make movies that would typically find their way to the direct-to-DVD rack, but to make films with "quality" filmmakers and actors allowing him to continue his topline run. His work with Guy Ritchie in the past, The Bank Job with Roger Donaldson, The Italian Job with F. Gary Gray and his upcoming role in The Expendables alongside Sly Stallone and Jet Li make it easier to star in a Transporter 3 or in this case Killer Elite.

I also think Statham's career has benefit from the Internet and the ability to make some of these action films on smaller budgets and market the hell out of them in virtual space as opposed to massive television, radio and print ad campaigns. However, I can't help but wonder how long this ride will last. The recent release of Crank: High Voltage only did $27 million worldwide, only $13 of which was domestic gross. Compared to the $27 million the first film made domestically ($44 million worldwide) I'm not sure how much longer Statham's bargain bin career will last.

Perhaps it's time for a career makeover?

Related post categories: Casting News : Jason Statham

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