Primarily recognized as an archetypal Hollywood action hero, Jason Statham isn’t known for his villain roles – yet over the years, the genre superstar has occasionally turned to the dark side. Many of Statham’s most well-known characters toe the line between good and evil, often causing incredible destruction – even if it’s ultimately for a good cause. However, even in a career full of morally ambiguous characters, it’s possible to identify some key roles that are unequivocally villainous.
6. Mr. B
Turn It Up (2000)
Notable for being Jason Statham’s first villain role, the actor’s performance as Mr. B is let down by the film’s numerous other failings. Starring Ja Rule in his big-screen debut, the movie follows an aspiring musician as he is forced to work with local crime bosses in order to fund his debut album. In an attempt to circumvent the system, the musician helps orchestrate a heist, only to realize he’s stolen the drug dealer’s money. However, while Statham is given plenty of opportunity to threaten people and swear in his usual gruff pseudo-cockney, his character is poorly conceived and seems out of place within the movie’s New York setting.
5. Jasper Bagges
13 (2010)
Ordinarily, Jason Statham’s action prowess means that he is the dominant force in many movies. In 13, however, he plays a slightly more subtle and understated role – and arguably suffers for it. A remake of the French-Georgian production 13 Tzameti, the movie revolves around a complex game of Russian roulette, where wealthy spectators bet on the outcome and on who is most likely to survive. Although the film boasts some entertaining twists and turns, and seeing Statham thwarted is a satisfying ending, it is ultimately too convoluted to rate as a successful thriller.RELATED:
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4. Agent John Crawford
War (2007)
Thanks to the combination of Li and Statham, War certainly delivers some impressive set pieces, while Crawford’s callous betrayal of his partner and his family marks him out as a reprehensible figure. However, his status suffers because of War’s overall poor quality and borderline ridiculous twist. Just as Crawford is confirmed to be the real villain, it’s also revealed that Rogue has surgically altered himself – Face/Off style. The implausibility of this plot point ultimately limits the effectiveness of Crawford’s arc.
3. Detective Quentin Connors
Chaos (2005)
Derivative of other, better cop thrillers, 2005’s Chaos is nonetheless a solid heist movie – anchored by Statham’s central duplicitous performance. In the movie’s opening, Detective Quentin Connors (Statham) and his partner Lorenz/Jason York (Wesley Snipes) are wrongly accused following the death of a hostage. While Connors is acquitted, York is fired – becoming a master thief instead. Much like War, Statham’s villainy in Chaos is only revealed relatively near the end of the piece.
2. Ethan Greer
Cellular (2004)
Perhaps the earliest example of Jason Statham demonstrating his full range as an actor, Cellular is an underrated thriller that once again sees Statham pull the rug from under his audience. Starring Kim Basinger and a young Chris Evans, the movie revolves around a kidnapping with mysterious motivations. Although Statham’s Ethan Greer is quickly established as the mastermind behind the operation, his character only becomes more compelling as the story unfolds. Like other villains in Jason Statham’s career, Greer is a corrupt member of law enforcement. However, unlike other examples of this archetype, he is both a more compelling personality and situated within a more effective story.