Someone like Stallone simply can’t physically do what Statham does now, but he offers a future roadmap for aging badasses, one previously traversed by the likes of Kirk Douglas and Lee Marvin. When being a hero becomes too much of a strain, be a boss. Show up as a beloved character actor in franchise movies. Indulge in the occasional bit of self-parody .
filmmakers who loved you as a kid will write something cool and unexpected, like Quentin Tarantino did for Robert Forster, or David Lynch did for Robert Blake. Produce a legacy sequel to a beloved earlier film. Occasionally get awards nominations. We need and want someone in that position, to be the designated hellraiser without becoming too much of one in real life—like Gibson did
. Keanu Reeves has his niche as a Zen-cool angel of death, but just as much of one in comedy and voice-over, along with an unshakeable reputation for being really nice in person. Statham, despite an apparent recent contract clause that says he can’t get beaten up too badly, feels like a guy who’s been through it. Try to envision him in your mind, and he’s probably scowling like he just took a punch. Picture Tom Cruise, and he’s more likely flashing his pearly whites in perma-smile.