Jason Statham has described stunt doubles as the 'unsung heroes' of the film industry, speaking at the UK premiere of his latest film, Shelter. The 58-year-old action star, known for his physically demanding roles, highlighted the crucial contribution of these specialist performers who often put themselves in perilous situations.
Statham revealed that becoming a stuntman was a childhood aspiration. 'My desire when I was a kid was to be a stuntman,' he said, expressing his enduring admiration for the profession. He added, '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 sustained injuries such as a torn bicep and neck problems, has long advocated for an Oscar category for stunt performers. He underscored their importance, stating: 'The most love and affection I have is for the stunt teams and the action they provide. A lot of the time they’re the unsung heroes.'
In Shelter, Statham plays a former assassin living on a remote island who rescues a young girl during a storm. He described the film as 'a story that hasn’t been told before,' adding: '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.'
Statham also praised his young co-star, rising Irish actress Bodhi Rae Breathnach, saying: 'She knows what she’s doing. She’s very talented, I think we’re going to see a lot of her.' Shelter is scheduled for release in cinemas from January 30.
