Looking for that classic, hard-hitting Jason Statham action flick? Well, look no further. “A Working Man” delivers exactly what you’d expect: an action-packed thrill ride featuring a good-hearted, tough-as-nails veteran who spends most of his time punching and shooting his way through trouble.
The action genre welcomes another entry with “A Working Man,” a 2025 American action thriller starring the ever-reliable Jason Statham. The film marks a reunion between Statham and director David Ayer, following their successful collaboration on “The Beekeeper.” Adding to the action pedigree, the project features action cinema icon Sylvester Stallone, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ayer. This collaboration hints at a continuation of their prior successful formula, promising audiences a heavy dose of Statham’s signature action prowess. The story centers on a former elite operative attempting to live a quiet life as a working man, but who is inevitably drawn back into the dangerous world he left behind.
Plot Summary: A Glimpse into the Action
Jason Statham plays Levon Cade, a man with a past shrouded in the shadows of elite military service or covert operations. Having seemingly traded a life of danger for the relative calm of a construction job, Levon is also dedicated to being a good father to his daughter. However, his attempt at a normal life is shattered when Jenny Garcia, the teenage daughter of his boss, becomes the victim of a kidnapping by human traffickers, often linked to the Russian mafia (the Bratva). Driven by a sense of duty, and perhaps a personal connection (having reportedly promised Jenny he would always have her back), Levon makes the decisive choice to return to his old life. Using his highly specialized and lethal skills, he embarks on a perilous hunt to locate the kidnappers. This pursuit leads him into the depths of a dangerous criminal conspiracy, potentially involving not only organized crime but also corrupt government officials, threatening the fragile peace he has sought to build for himself and his daughter.
The Creative Team: Statham, Ayer, and Stallone Unite
“A Working Man” is directed by David Ayer, known for his gritty and intense action films. His previous collaboration with Jason Statham on “The Beekeeper” established a successful working relationship within the action genre. The screenplay for “A Working Man” was penned by the duo of Sylvester Stallone and David Ayer, basing their narrative on the novel “Levon’s Trade” by Chuck Dixon. Dixon is well-regarded for his work in the comic book world, having contributed to action-heavy titles like “The Punisher” and “Batman.” Notably, Sylvester Stallone previously wrote for Jason Statham in the 2013 film “Homefront.” The film was produced by a team that includes Chris Long, Jason Statham himself, John Friedberg, David Ayer, Sylvester Stallone, Bill Block, and Kevin King Templeton.
The cast is led by Jason Statham as the protagonist, Levon Cade. He is joined by a supporting cast that includes Jason Flemyng as Wolo Kolisnyk, Michael Peña as Joe Garcia, and David Harbour as Gunny Lefferty. The role of the kidnapped daughter, Jenny Garcia, is played by Arianna Rivas, with Noemi Gonzalez as Carla Garcia and Maximilian Osinski as Dimi Kolisnyk. Rounding out the main cast are Merab Ninidze as Yuri, Isla Gie as Levon’s daughter Merry Cade, and David Harbour as Gunny Lefferty, a blind arms dealer.
Statham’s Performance
In “A Working Man,” Jason Statham delivers a performance that largely aligns with his well-established action hero persona. He embodies the tough and stoic protagonist with a mysterious and lethal past, efficiently dispatching his adversaries with his signature style. His physicality and presence in the action sequences remain compelling. There are moments in the film where Statham’s performance hints at a vulnerability, particularly in scenes involving his character’s daughter or allusions to his past, adding a touch of humanity to his otherwise unwavering action hero image.
Behind the Camera: Production Details and Interesting Facts
“A Working Man” was filmed in London, England. The film had an estimated budget of $40 million. Production companies involved include Black Bear, Cedar Park Entertainment, Punch Palace Productions, and Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions.
This marks the second time a film written by Sylvester Stallone has featured Jason Statham in the lead role, the first being “Homefront” in 2013. It’s also worth noting that Sylvester Stallone initially conceived of adapting Chuck Dixon’s “Levon’s Trade” as a television series before it ultimately became a feature film starring Jason Statham.
Our Verdict
“A Working Man” is precisely the movie we’ve all come to expect: a film marked by the kind of role that Jason Statham has played time and time again, a role that has deservedly catapulted him into the position of Bruce Willis’s heir apparent. It’s packed with action, kicks, and gunfights, featuring that familiar character of a good-hearted, tough veteran.
Are there any surprises? Absolutely none. But it delivers exactly what Statham’s fans are looking for. Nothing more, nothing less.
