Action star Jason Statham is teaming up once again with director Guy Ritchie, the man who launched his career with the hit film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in 1998. They’ve collaborated on several successful projects since, including Snatch, Revolver, Wrath of Man, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Now, they’re filming a new crime thriller in London that’s being described as a spiritual successor to a classic Daniel Craig movie.
Originally revealed in 2015, Viva La Madness is a new thriller connected to the popular 2004 film Layer Cake, which starred Daniel Craig and was directed by Matthew Vaughn. This time, Jason Statham steps into the lead role – previously played by Craig in his breakout performance – in a story based on the sequel novel by Layer Cake author J.J. Connolly. The film promises a thrilling dive into London’s criminal underworld and plenty of dangerous adventures.
In Viva La Madness, Jason Statham teams up once more with director Guy Ritchie, as well as a familiar face known for his roles in Ritchie’s earlier films, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (as Big Chris) and Snatch (“Bullet Tooth” Tony). The new footage shows the duo back together, embodying the classic Guy Ritchie gangster aesthetic while filming a high-energy action sequence involving a chase from masked criminals.
It’s still unclear how closely the upcoming film, Viva La Madness, will stick to the original book. However, the source material feels like a perfect fit for Guy Ritchie’s style, with its witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and dark comedy. It’s a distinctly British story that also brings Ritchie back to the kind of films he’s known for. The book’s summary, available below, may offer clues about what Jason Statham’s character—a drug dealer—will be involved in.
Following the success of its gritty portrayal of London crime, Viva la Madness now expands its scope to international criminal activity, including drug trafficking across the Atlantic, money laundering, and sophisticated electronic fraud – all depicted with the same realistic detail. The central character from Layer Cake finds himself reluctantly drawn back into the drug world just as he’s about to retire and enjoy a peaceful life. The story blends the dark underbelly of London with the glamorous lifestyles of the Caribbean and the dangerous world of Venezuelan drug cartels – even bringing machine guns to the upscale streets of Mayfair. The result is a thrilling, authentic, and fast-paced narrative told from the perspective of a compelling protagonist.
Gramercy Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection
Joining Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, the action film Viva La Madness boasts a stellar cast including Ben Foster (known for The Mechanic and Hell or High Water), Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus, Harry Potter), Babs Olusanmokun (Dune, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare), Camila Mendes (Riverdale, Palm Springs), Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting, The Crown, Elementary), and singer Raúl Alejandro, who is making his film debut. Currently, Viva La Madness doesn’t have a release date, but more information will be announced soon.
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2026-03-10 18:38