Jason Statham Reflects On Stunts And New Film Shelter

Jason Statham, the indomitable British action star known for his relentless energy and daredevil stunts, is once again at the forefront of action cinema with his latest film, Shelter. At 58, Statham’s career shows no signs of slowing down—if anything, he’s doubling down on his commitment to authenticity, risk-taking, and the unsung heroes who make movie magic possible.

Speaking to BBC News at the January 2026 premiere of Shelter, Statham was candid about the physical toll his career has taken. “There have been a lot of stunts where I went too far,” he admitted. “When you get hurt, a lot of the time you think, ‘why did I do that, why didn’t I get a stunt man to do that?’ I’ve hurt my neck a few times, I’ve hurt a lot of things a few times and that reminds you of your mistakes.” Despite these injuries, Statham maintains a philosophy that’s as bracing as his on-screen persona: “In for a penny, in for a pound.”

Statham’s hands-on approach to stunts isn’t just a professional quirk—it’s a point of pride and a testament to his years of training. “I like to get in front of the camera and do as much as I can,” he explained to BBC News. “I’ve spent many years learning different disciplines and given I have the technical skills to take on these complex action sequences, I like to get stuck in.” That drive for realism, he believes, is what keeps audiences engaged and his performances authentic.

But even Statham can’t ignore the passage of time. With a wry grin, he told reporters, “I’m not that old. As you get into your later years you’re less bouncy than when you were 25, but I’m still going.” His secret? “Lots of physio.” It’s a regimen that’s become more familiar as the years—and injuries—have piled up. In a 2025 interview with Far Out magazine, Statham detailed some of his worst injuries, including a torn bicep and a “screwed up” neck, all in the pursuit of that perfect take.

Despite the risks, Statham’s affection for the world of stunts runs deep. At the UK premiere of Shelter, he told the Press Association, “My desire when I was a kid was to be a stuntman. My affection for the stunt world is never-ending and I think for anyone who wants to get into that, you’ll get treated well, hang out with the best people and make these movies very special.” He continued, “It’s a great thing. The most love and affection I have is for the stunt teams and the action they provide. A lot of the time they’re the unsung heroes.”

Statham has even advocated for greater recognition of stunt performers, calling for a dedicated category at the Oscars. It’s a stance that’s resonated with many in the industry, who see the physical risks and creative contributions of stunt teams as vital to the success of action films.

Shelter itself represents a departure from Statham’s usual fare, blending high-octane action with a more nuanced, thriller-driven narrative. The film follows his character, a reclusive former assassin living on a remote island, whose solitary existence is upended when he rescues a young girl during a storm. This act of bravery forces him to confront both violent enemies and the demons of his past.

Statham described the film as “a story that hasn’t been told before.” He elaborated, “For me, it’s about two lost souls coming together and finding purpose. He’s a man who was on the brink of almost suicide, he gets to find a way to put this girl’s welfare in front of his own. It’s a really good story.”

The film’s director, Ric Roman Waugh, echoed this sentiment, telling BBC News that Shelter “punches you in the gut.” Waugh emphasized his commitment to authenticity, saying, “I don’t like using visual effects where nothing feels real anymore—I make films where everything is real, authentic and grounded because that’s what gets people emotionally gripped.”

One of the most challenging sequences in Shelter involved an open-sea rescue. Statham recounted the ordeal: “That pushed me really physically. It’s hard to make underwater work look good and anyone will know that swimming with a jacket and size 10 boots on isn’t easy.” Despite the physical demands, Statham insisted that nerves are a thing of the past. “There’s nothing to be nervous about anymore, I’ve done it for a few too many years now.” Any lingering anxiety, he said, comes from “a desire to do something good and get it right.”

Statham was quick to praise his young co-star, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, who plays the girl he rescues. “She knows what she’s doing. She’s very talented, I think we’re going to see a lot of her,” he told the Press Association. The chemistry between the two leads is central to the film’s emotional core—a story of redemption and unlikely connection.

Off the red carpet, Statham’s personal life remains grounded. He attended the Shelter premiere with his wife, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The couple, together since 2010, share two children, Jack and Isabella. Statham, ever the family man, balances the demands of his career with the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood.

Looking ahead, Statham is poised for a busy year. He joked to BBC News that audiences “will be sick of me by the end of the year,” with a slate of films on the horizon. These include Mutiny, a sequel to The Beekeeper, and Viva La Madness, which reunites him with director Guy Ritchie. “I owe Ritchie a lot as he started my career so I’m excited to be back with him,” Statham said, though he remained tight-lipped about the project’s details, revealing only that filming would start the week after the premiere.

Shelter is scheduled to hit cinemas on January 30, 2026, marking another milestone in Statham’s storied career. For fans and newcomers alike, it’s a testament to an actor who refuses to take the easy route, who wears his scars with pride, and who never forgets the team behind the scenes. As Statham’s star continues to rise, so too does his appreciation for the craft—and the people—who’ve helped him get there.