It’s been quite some time since we’ve heard anything from Jason Statham about a sequel to Layer Cake, the 2004 action film which starred Daniel Craig in the lead. As far back as two years ago Statham teased that he would be taking over the character in a new film. Now we’re learning a bit more about the follow up. It looks like it’s really going to happen, and it looks like it's going to happen next year.
Speaking with Digital Spy Statham called the picture, which will be based on J.J. Connelly’s book Viva La Madness, "the most exciting thing" on his plate at the moment. Statham, of Expendables fame among others, says financing is being lined up right now, with a plan to begin shooting in 2016.
The original Layer Cake featured a pre-James Bond Daniel Craig as a drug dealer with no name who attempts to retire from the business, needless to say his last day is a bit interesting. The follow up will apparently take place more than 10 years after the first film (it appears our protagonist has lost all of his hair in that time) where the nameless man returns to London and attempts to avoid being dragged back into his old life.
The original film was not a hit by any stretch but has become something of a cult phenomenon as fans of Craig’s James Bond have gone back and found it. In fact, the film has to take some of the credit for helping Craig land the Bond role. You can see a bit of the future Bond here:
Statham appears to be legitimately excited for this project, which speaks not only to his passion for the material, but also that the film is truly moving forward. Plans are for the film to be shot on location in London, which is part of what Statham is looking forward to. The script is being adapted by the book’s author, which was also the case with the first film.
For fans who found and loved Layer Cake this will be great news. Statham, will certainly bring something new and different to the film. Are you looking forward to another adventure with this nameless character? Is the lead change a positive or a negative? Watch Statham next, playing against type (sort of) in the Melissa McCarthy comedy, Spy.
