Jason Statham to take over Daniel Craig’s role for the sequel to Layer Cake

Fans of Matthew Vaughn‘s LAYER CAKE can rejoice that a sequel is on the way. But, it will not star Daniel Craig and will not be directed by Vaughn. Confused? Read on.

LAYER CAKE was based on the novel of the same name by J.J. Connolly which he also adapted for Vaughn. In the 10 years since that novel’s publication, Connolly has been hard at work on a sequel which is finally ready for publication. The follow-up is titled VIVA LA MADNESS and has been optioned by Jason Statham who is looking to star in the film. Connolly will adapt his own novel again.

Vaughn’s film was released in 2005 and is widely considered one of the better British gangster films of the last decade. It followed the popularity of Guy Ritchie‘s LOCK, STOCK, AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS and SNATCH, both of which featured Statham. Since then, Statham and Craig have skyrocketed to fame in very different ways. VIVA LA MADNESS would mark Statham’s return to the genre that made him a celebrity.

XXXX is looking for a beach to land on in retirement, but instead gets involved with trans-Atlantic drug deals, money laundering, hi-tech electronic fraud, London low-lives and Venezuelan drug cartels.

Craig’s character remained nameless through LAYER CAKE and Statham would play that same role. It remains to be seen if the physical difference in the actors will be addressed in the plot or if the film will just pick up without missing a beat. It would be great if Matthew Vaughn returned to keep the film’s consistent in visual style and tone, but if not I hope Statham and his production company deliver a film as good.