Jason Statham is the modern-day Steve McQueen, says Shelter director

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Each January, audiences can usually count on a new action movie starring Jason Statham, and his latest one opens in UK cinemas this weekend.

Shelter is a classic Jason Statham action movie: he plays a loner with a hidden, troubled past who’s forced to fight again when people from that past reappear, leading to plenty of exciting stunts, car chases, and intense hand-to-hand combat.

This time, he plays Mason, a former assassin now living in hiding at a lighthouse in the Outer Hebrides.

After a violent storm and a tragic boating accident claim the life of a friend, a solitary islander unexpectedly finds himself guardian to the man’s young daughter. A simple trip to the mainland for supplies quickly turns dangerous when his former, ruthless employers track him down, launching a fast-paced and thrilling adventure.

He described the man as a modern-day Steve McQueen, comparing him to the famous actor known for films like The Great Escape and Bullitt.

Jason is genuinely himself – he’s completely real. What’s great about his performance in this movie is that it gives you everything you want: you get to see the classic action hero we all love, but also a touching portrayal of a devoted family man.

He went on to describe this man as someone who lives by his own principles and consistently puts them into practice. He’s a martial artist, a skilled fighter, and dedicated to staying in excellent physical condition.

I’m a huge fan, and what really draws me in is how he brings such genuine qualities to his characters. They feel real because he embodies those same values – things like integrity, a strong sense of right and wrong, and just a good moral compass. Since he’s authentic as a person, it naturally translates to the characters he plays, making them incredibly believable and relatable.

I was really impressed by what Waugh said about Jason Statham! He seems genuinely excited about working with him again, and called him the ‘real deal.’ What stood out to me was how Waugh praised Statham’s preparation – he doesn’t just show up ready for the action, but also really dives into the emotional side of his character. It’s clear Waugh has a lot of respect for him.

He explained that the action scenes weren’t just about brutal fighting. There was a child present, and the actor always remembered to prioritize her safety and well-being. He really admired that dedication to the performance as a whole – he never had to tell the actor to think beyond the fighting; protecting the child was always his first concern.

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Jason Statham has starred in countless action movies, so you might be curious about how he chooses his roles now. He explains it’s pretty straightforward: he simply asks himself if he would actually enjoy watching the movie as a viewer.

Shelter is released in UK cinemas on Friday 30th September.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is TopMob’s Senior Film Writer, covering new movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time, he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed a wide variety of films.

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2026-01-29 21:04