The Remarkable Journey of Jason Statham: From Athlete to Action Star
Not many people can boast about successfully transitioning from an international athlete to a bonafide A-List film star, except for Jason Statham.
Going from representing England in the Commonwealth Games to gracing the silver screen with his badass action roles, Statham's career shift has proven to be a wise decision.
Although he has been a part of iconic film franchises, Statham's journey began with an indie film called “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” directed by Guy Ritchie.
This film not only marked his debut but also served as his breakthrough role.
However, the filming process was at risk due to Vinnie Jones' violent behavior on set.
Jones' Violent Behavior Leads to His Arrest While Filming with Statham
Known for his ruthless and lethal persona in action films, Jason Statham may seem like someone who enjoys violence to the fullest.
However, he believes that it should be kept in moderation, unlike his co-star Vinnie Jones.
During the production of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” Jones let his violent tendencies take control, resulting in his arrest and confinement in a police cell.
In a recent interview with The Independent, the cast and crew of the film gathered to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Nick Moran, who portrayed Eddy in the film, disclosed that Jones got into a physical altercation with one of his neighbors, causing significant harm.
As a consequence, Jones was taken into custody.
Moran vividly recalls the moment when Jones arrived on set, holding legal papers from the police station.
He states, “Vinnie got arrested halfway through filming.
He'd beaten up a neighbor, really battered him, and Matt [director Guy Ritchie] phoned me saying he's been arrested and we have to rearrange the filming schedule.
I go to set, and later Vinnie turns up in a paper suit as he'd come straight from the cells to set.
He was capable of his own bits of drama.”
It is worth mentioning that before becoming an actor, Jones was a professional soccer player known for his violent behavior on the field.
“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”: A Synopsis
This film catapulted Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie into the limelight of the industry.
It tells the story of four friends who find themselves in deep trouble due to their ill-advised decisions.
The film achieved cult-classic status, even capturing the attention of Tom Cruise.
The plot revolves around Eddy and his group of friends, who devise a plan to double their money through a high-stakes poker game with a local crime boss.
However, the boss cheats them, leaving Eddy burdened with an overwhelming debt.
In order to repay the boss, the four buddies resort to stealing from underworld figures, leading them into comically precarious situations.
“Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” can be streamed on Starz, offering viewers an immersive experience into the world of crime and comedy.
