Jason Statham is back in action in "Shelter," but the British actor says his latest thriller is driven by the powerful emotional trajectory of the lead character.
"I've never done anything like this before. In terms of the dramatic elements, this feels much more elevated," Statham said, introducing the film at its premiere in London.
Statham plays Michael Mason, a former elite operative hiding out on a remote island in the Outer Hebrides archipelago.
With only his dog as company, Mason spends his days drinking, drawing, and playing chess.
Supplies are regularly brought to him by an orphaned girl, Jessie, played by Bodie Ray Bretnack, arriving in a rowboat, but with a strict ban on any contact.
When a storm breaks out during a delivery, Mason rescues Jessie, setting off a series of events that exposes his former enemies and forces Mason to act to protect the girl, Reuters reports.
The film is about an "amazing couple" who find meaning in each other, Statham said. "It's definitely a slowly evolving film."
This gradual build-up of tension helps the audience connect with the characters, according to director Rik Roman Vo, known for the films "Greenland" and "Angel Has Fallen."
"We reveal the mystery in a way that creates empathy and emotional connection, so that when the action starts, you're not just watching it - you're participating in it and rooting for your heroes," he said.
A former stuntman, Vo wanted to place the viewer "in the middle of the action" and to film in real locations.
"You get a wild, authentic ride, grounded and free from the world of visual effects where nothing feels real anymore," he said. "Coming from the world of stunts, I'm trying to give you a sense of what I went through."
Statham, 58, has a very busy schedule ahead of him. His films planned for 2026 include "Mutiny" and "The Beekeeper 2," and he will soon reunite with director Guy Ritchie for their sixth project together, "Viva La Madness."
"I'm very excited about it. My leading man Guy Ritchie – he started my career almost 30 years ago and I owe him a lot. He's a mentor to me, a very special person in my life and I have great respect and love for him," Statham said, noting that filming begins in a week, but without revealing any further details about the project.
The film "Shelter," which also stars Bill Nighy and Naomi Ackie, begins global theatrical distribution on January 28th.
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