Jason Statham is back in action with his latest film, A Working Man, which hit theaters on March 28, 2025. Following the success of his previous film, The Beekeeper, which garnered a staggering 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, expectations were high for this new collaboration with director David Ayer and action veteran Sylvester Stallone.
A Working Man features Statham as Levon Cade, a former black ops soldier who has traded in his violent past for a quieter life as a construction worker and devoted father. However, when his boss's daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers, Cade is pulled back into the world he thought he had left behind. This transition from a peaceful life to one filled with danger showcases Statham's trademark charm and action prowess.
Despite the film's intriguing premise, it has received mixed reviews from critics, landing an initial score of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, which later dropped to 55%. In stark contrast, audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with a solid 91% rating. This disparity highlights the film's appeal to viewers, even if critics have been less forgiving.
The film's opening weekend saw it gross $1.1 million during Thursday previews, which is notably less than the $2.4 million earned by The Beekeeper during its previews. This underwhelming start raises questions about whether A Working Man can gain traction over the weekend and match its predecessor's success.
David Ayer, who directed and co-wrote A Working Man with Stallone, has expressed admiration for Statham's dedication to the role. He emphasized that this film showcases one of Statham's most authentic and powerful performances yet. Ayer stated, "Jason’s preparation and dedication to the role are evident, making this a standout performance in his career." This level of commitment is expected to resonate with audiences, especially those familiar with Statham's past roles.
While the film's box office performance is yet to be determined, fans of Statham can look forward to more from him in the future. He is set to return for a sequel to The Beekeeper, which will be directed by Timo Tjahjanto instead of Ayer. Tjahjanto has hinted at the return of the character Lazarus, portrayed by Taylor James, suggesting that the sequel may delve deeper into the backstory of this intriguing villain, who Ayer described as "a pretty damn interesting villain, he’s an asshole but not quite evil."
As audiences await the fate of A Working Man at the box office, the anticipation for The Beekeeper 2 continues to grow. Fans are eager to see how Statham's character will evolve and what new challenges he will face. With the combination of Tjahjanto's direction and Statham's star power, the sequel is poised to deliver the over-the-top action that made the first film a hit.
In summary, while A Working Man has had a rocky start at the box office, its strong audience reception could indicate a potential turnaround. As Statham continues to solidify his status as a leading action star, both A Working Man and the forthcoming The Beekeeper 2 will keep fans engaged and eager for more. Whether A Working Man can overcome its initial box office hurdles remains to be seen, but the film's action-packed narrative and Statham's compelling performance are sure to attract viewers in the coming weeks.
