Since making his big screen debut in The Transporter, Jason Statham has become one of the most sought-after actors in the action movie genre, both leading solo roles and forming large ensembles such as the Fast & Fuгioᴜs family. Though it’s been an incredible journey featuring some of the biggest movies of the last 20 years, Statham is still present in one genre: superhero flicks. He has now clarified why.

In an interview with Variety to promote his new movie The Beekeeper, Statham talked about his preferences for genre roles and made it apparent that, in contrast to the more straightforward action films he usually directs, the whole superhero movie vibe just isn’t for him.

Tyrese Gibson and Jason Statham in Fast X (2023) Image: Fast X | The Fast Saga’s Final Trailer YouTube

Why Is Jason Statham Not Featured in Any Superhero Films?

Statham remarked, “I’m not really into costumes with tights and a cape.” “I enjoy retro ’80s films. People like Arnold and Stallone served as inspiration for me. And even before Paul Newman, Eastwood, and Steve McQueen. I simply couldn’t envision any of those guys dressing up, donning masks, and moving around on wires.

Thanks to roles like Crank and his role as Deckard Shaw in the Fast & Fuгioᴜs movies, which escalate the action with each new release, Statham has undoubtedly played his fair share of nearly superhuman roles. Regarding more traditional comic book movies, however, Statham likened his feelings to those of fans of particular genres of music. It’s just not for you sometimes.

“Music and film are similar. While some people enjoy heavy metal, others prefer country and western music. A little more grounded action is what I’m drawn to,” he remarked. “Well, I think that one element we should introduce into this crаzy world is groundedness.”

Aside from superhero flicks, Statham is keeping himself quite busy. He recently concluded a year in which he made two comebacks to the Expendables franchise: Fast X and Expend4bles. It’s been a busy year so far, and there are still more projects in the works, including The Meg 2 and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, his most recent project with director Guy Ritchie. Apart from The Beekeeper, Statham is scheduled to return as Deckard Shaw in the next Fast Saga movie. If the opportunity arises, he may also return for additional spinoffs and subsequent installments. Furthermore, to action fans worldwide, he is already a superhero in his own right.