Summary

• Statham's charm and wit in his first movie scene set the stage for his blockbuster success in action films.
• Despite his humble beginnings, Statham's likable persona has remained a key factor in his enduring popularity.
• From selling jewelry on the streets to starring in billion-dollar movies, Statham's career trajectory is truly remarkable.

Jason Statham is one of the biggest action stars of the decade and one needn't look further than his first movie scene to see why that is. The British actor has appeared in almost fifty titles over his film career, the vast majority of which fall into the action genre. He's also proven to be bankable, with many of Jason Statham's highest-grossing movies earning more than $500 million at the worldwide box office. However, Statham's popularity as an actor shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's watched his first 60 seconds of movie screen time.

Despite first appearing onscreen way back in 1998, Statham is just as in-demand now as he ever was, if not more. The 2020s have already seen the star take on lead roles in hit movies such as Meg 2: The Trench, Expend4bles, and The Beekeeper, as well as smaller appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise. Though Statham's no-nonsense, all-action style isn't to everyone's taste, few can deny that he's good at what he does. The secret to Statham's success is less of a secret when one considers his first-ever movie scene.

Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrells' Opening Scene Cemented Jason Statham As A Future Star

The Guy Ritchie Movie Catapulted The Actor To Stardom

Jason Statham made his big screen debut in Guy Ritchie's 1998 crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Set against the backdrop of London's crime scene, the film revolves around a criminal's attempts to pay back £500,000 to a powerful mobster after losing a game of poker. Statham plays Bacon, a black-market criminal whose money is used in the poker game. The character is the first to appear onscreen, featuring in the movie's opening scene. As little as 60 seconds into the film, it's glaringly obvious why Statham has achieved such fame.

The scene in question involves Statham, in character as Bacon, attempting to sell jewelry from a market stall to a group of punters. He employs a cheeky chappy sales technique commonly associated with East End traders. He's charming, witty, and full of clever quips, all of which make both the character and Statham instantly likable. Ironically, while the character is trying to sell jewelry, and doing a good job of it, Statham is selling himself as a watchable and utterly affable screen presence. Statham would go on to star in many other Guy Ritchie movies.

Statham's Likable Persona Is The Key To His Action Blockbuster Star Status In The 2020s

The Actor Hasn't Changed Much Over The Years

Though Statham has achieved greater heights of fame and wealth over the years, the key to his success has remained largely the same. He is still, and always has been, a cheeky and charming onscreen personality who feels surprisingly down-to-earth, despite the star's glamorous lifestyle and the far-fetched nature of his movies. Now more than ever, Statham's likability is playing into his own hands. In 2024, moviegoers want a safe and reliable pair of hands that they can guarantee will offer them a good time that's worth their money. Statham, with his no-nonsense approach, offers just that.

Furthermore, Statham's onscreen persona, no matter what character he is playing, always feels very close to his own.

One knows what they're getting from a Jason Statham movie. There are no shocks or nasty surprises, just a simple yet entertaining two hours of action and wisecracks. Furthermore, Statham's onscreen persona, no matter what character he is playing, always feels very close to his own. In a world of fake celebrities, social media, and controversial stars, Statham's genuine nature is refreshing. Ultimately, the characteristics Statham displays in his first ever scene - charm, wit, a lovable rogue quality - are still present in his most recent films.

Jason Statham's Opening Lock Stock Scene Has A Surprising Real-Life Connection

His Role In The Film Is Amazingly True To Life

While Jason Statham can now claim to have starred in two billion-dollar movies, his pre-film career could not have been more different. There's a very good reason why Guy Ritchie cast the actor as a black market salesman in Lock, Stock; Statham used to be one. Indeed, Statham used to sell many items, including jewelry on the market stalls of London, meaning in his first scene, he is barely acting at all, but rather just doing what would've come naturally to him. Statham had no prior movie experience, but Ritchie needed a streetwise criminal and Statham fit the bill.

Jason Statham, therefore, has had one of the most surprising career trajectories of all time. From selling knock-off goods on the streets of London to starring in Hollywood blockbusters in the space of a few years. And his popularity continues. The actor is set to star alongside David Harbour and Michael Peña in David Ayer's new action thriller, Levon's Trade, which is due to be released in 2025. Statham, therefore, looks set to retain his title as the world's biggest action star, and it's all thanks to his very first scene.