For me, hes already a legend.

So you must be exhausted?

Yeah its hard to sleep in the day, you ever tried it?

Not for a long time.

Its easy when youre on the back of a bender [laughs].

Sleep for three fucking days!

Thats what Im intending to do tomorrow.

No drinking for me, not while were working.

Because of a strict exercise regime?

Well, you just want to be present you know?

[chuckles]

Thats why I didnt have one before I came here!

[Laughs] Okay!

Anyway, congratulations on the film…

When did they make you watch it?

In the morning, or in the afternoon, or in the evening?

But I watched the film and came out buzzing.

Strangely enough I do remember seeingCrank 2…

Ha!

Thats an evening one too.

Right in line with the film, yeah.

There seems to be an extra dimension to every character you play, is that something you seek out?

Nah, I mean you eat from whats on the table.

When people deliver scripts to you if its got enough in it, then you end up doing it.

I think that people forget that some of the best action heroes have a sense of vulnerability.

Yeah, the tough part and that vulnerability was definitely a key strength to your character inSafe.

I remember Boaz Yakins name (writer/director ofSafe) from growing up on Dolph LundgrensPunisher… [laughs]

But it was a real change of pace for Yakin to direct an action movie.

Hes never done an action film, yeah.

He was certainly keen to make one and this was an ambitious one to boot!

Its big scale action.

Theres a lot of gun work, theres a lot of hand to hand and car chases.

I mean its a full blown action movie without an enormous budget I suppose.

I particularly like the recurring visual motif of the rear view mirrors getting shot off!

[Laughs] Yeah he had some good ideas!

Iknow in films likeThe Transporteryouve had fight scenes in confined spaces, butSafeseemed to have even more.

How much of a challenge is it to work in a restricted environment?

Youve worked with a lot of great people, so how was it working with a 12-year-old girl?

Great, she just kept telling me what to do all the time!

And in terms of your supporting cast theres a lot of great actors…

Reggie Lee!

[chuckles] Hes great!

Theres some talented people.

And the likes of James Hong and Chris Sarandon… And thats the benefit of having good material, people want to come to the show.

[Laughs] Yeah, its funny!

Has that just happened by accident?

I dont know, I think everyone likes a franchise dont they?

[laughs] I should have that in my contract!

I wonder if youre the first to have done that and then come back again withCrank…

Yeah!

Im not gonna tell you about that!

[grins] Its bigger, louder [laughs] and they got everybody for this one.

Its a good one.

[laughs] I think so anyway.

Are you still doing most of your own stunts?

Were not retiring from the hard work, not yet anyway.

Because I know Stallone seriously damaged himself on the first one…

But hes a soldier, he does everything, hes just… hes as gritty as they get.

[He cracks up] Have a fucking day off!

[At this point I laugh far too loudly] But what is it that drives you?

I think youre just trying to make a better film, you know?

One very last quick one!

[Id already had my last question] Any update on whetherTransporter 4orCrank 3will happen?

Just talk, you know, just talk.

But well see what happens!

[laughs]

Jason Statham, thank you very much!

Safeis released on the 27th April in the USA and May 4th in the UK.

you’re able to follow Duncans Statham babblings onTwitter.