How haveJason StathamandKevin Hartnot already starred in a film together? The former is one of our most dependable action stars, moving briskly from his indie breakout inLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrelsto massive big-budget actioners likeHobbes & Shaw. And the latter is one of our most dependable comedy stars, having especially found a niche appearing inDwayne Johnson-starring action-comedies likeCentral Intelligence, and the newly rebootedJumanjifranchise. Now, it looks like these stars may finally be aligning – and Hart may be trading in a Johnson for a Statham. Per Deadline, the two are in talks to star in an original action-comedy for Sony:The Man from Toronto.
The premise sounds pitch-perfect for this duo: “The man from Toronto” is the alias for one of the world’s most vicious assassins (Statham, presumably). And Teddy (Hart) is… kind of a screw-up. But when the two are caught in a row of mistaken identities in an Airbnb, they must join forces and save the world – while trying not to kill each other in the process. The film will be directed byPatrick Hughes, who previously worked with Statham onThe Expendables 3and directed the surprise smash action-comedyThe Hitman’s Bodyguard, with similar odd coupleSamuel L. JacksonandRyan Reynolds.The Man from Toronto’s script comes fromRobbie Fox(Playing for Keeps) with a story byJason Blumenthal(The Equalizer 2), who also produces alongsideTodd Black(The Magnificent Seven),Steve Tisch(Southpaw), andBill Bannerman(Bad Boys for Life).
Does this sound like a vehicle that will revamp how we see Statham and Hart as performers? Absolutely not – instead, it sounds like a fun piece of Hollywood entertainment that will fit perfectly in their pockets. For those who like their particular charms,The Man from Torontowill likely be catnip. At the very least, it represents an ongoing realization that audiences these days are digging “original star-driven action-comedies.”
The Man from Torontois scheduled to be released July 07, 2025. For more on Hart, check out the trailer for hisNetflix documentary. And for more on Statham, check out my appreciation of one of his wildest flicks ever:Revolver.
