Action icon Jason Statham has passionately championed stunt doubles as the "unsung heroes" of the global film industry, delivering his heartfelt tribute during the UK premiere of his latest cinematic venture, Shelter. The 58-year-old actor, celebrated for his intensely physical roles across decades, emphasised the indispensable and often perilous contributions made by these specialist performers behind the scenes.
A Lifelong Admiration for Stunt Work
Statham revealed that a career as a stuntman was his own childhood dream, a fact that fuels his profound respect for the profession today. "My desire when I was a kid was to be a stuntman," he stated candidly, underscoring a deep-seated admiration that has only grown with his experience in front of the camera. He extended warm encouragement to aspiring performers, noting, "My affection for the stunt world is never-ending and I think for anyone who wants to get into that, you’ll get treated well, hang out with the best people and make these movies very special."
The actor, who has personally endured injuries like a torn bicep and neck issues from performing demanding sequences, as detailed in a 2025 interview, has been a longstanding advocate for official recognition. He has repeatedly called for the introduction of a dedicated Oscar category specifically honouring stunt coordination and performance, arguing it is a glaring omission in the awards landscape.
Praising the Heart of Action Cinema
"The most love and affection I have is for the stunt teams and the action they provide," Statham declared. "A lot of the time they’re the unsung heroes." His comments highlight a critical disconnect between the danger these professionals routinely face and the public acclaim they receive, reinforcing his campaign for greater industry acknowledgment.
Unveiling 'Shelter' and a Promising Co-Star
In Shelter, Statham portrays a former assassin living in isolation on a remote island, who is compelled to rescue a young girl during a fierce storm. He expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project's unique narrative, describing it as "a story that hasn’t been told before." Elaborating on the emotional core, Statham explained, "For me, it’s about two lost souls coming together and finding purpose. He’s a man who was on the brink of almost suicide, he gets to find a way to put this girl’s welfare in front of his own. It’s a really good story."
He also offered significant praise for his young co-star, rising Irish actress Bodhi Rae Breathnach. "She knows what she’s doing. She’s very talented, I think we’re going to see a lot of her," Statham commented, signalling a bright future for the newcomer.
A Stylish Premiere and Personal Life
Known for iconic "hard-man" roles in films like Snatch (2000), The Transporter (2002), and the Fast And Furious franchise, Statham attended the premiere in a refined all-black suit, accented with a black and grey striped tie and a crisp white shirt. He was accompanied by his model wife, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The couple, who have been together since 2010, share two children, Jack and Isabella, and presented a united front at the high-profile event.
Shelter is scheduled for release in cinemas across the UK from January 30, marking another major entry in Statham's prolific action career.
