Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham Reunite for the Sixth Time in Viva La Madness
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, although Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film In the Grey has yet to be released—and is reportedly heading into partial reshoots—the British filmmaker is already preparing his next project. Variety reports that Ritchie’s new film will serve as a sequel to Layer Cake, with Jason Statham set to star.
Ritchie and Statham will collaborate for the sixth time on Viva La Madness, an adaptation of J.J. Connolly’s novel and a direct follow-up to Layer Cake (2004), the acclaimed British crime thriller that starred Daniel Craig and went on to become a cult classic.
Production on Viva La Madness is expected to begin in January, with Statham currently the only confirmed cast member. Ritchie will write, direct, and produce the film under the Black Bear banner.
The story follows X, a drug trafficker navigating the murky world of London’s crime, sex, and narcotics scene. The original Layer Cake marked Matthew Vaughn’s directorial debut, following his producing collaborations with Ritchie and Statham on Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Craig’s gritty performance in Layer Cake was a major factor in his casting as James Bond in 2005.
Ritchie and Statham have previously worked together on five films: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Revolver, Wrath of Man, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.
In recent years, Ritchie has directed Fountain of Youth for Apple and is developing Wife & Dog. He recently withdrew from Road House 2 following reported behind-the-scenes controversies.
