As a long-time fan of action movies and British cinema, I have to say that I’ve been eagerly following the development of “Viva La Madness,” ever since it was announced. It’s fascinating to see how the lives and careers of our beloved actors can take unexpected turns.
Before Matthew Vaughn became well-known for “Kingsman” and “X-Men” films, and before Daniel Craig took on the role of James Bond, these two collaborated in the 2004 crime thriller, “Layer Cake“, which was based on J.J. Connolly’s novel that he also wrote. This lively and brutal film, characterized by its sleek style and swift editing, received critical acclaim and continues to be cherished by fans of Craig.
Actor Jason Statham expressed interest and eventually acquired the rights for Connolly’s second novel, titled “Viva La Madness,” which shares the same unnamed protagonist as “Layer Cake.” His intention was to transform this book into a ten-episode television miniseries, starring himself in the lead role. As reported by Deadline, Statham and his producing partner Steve Chasman purchased the rights for the project back in November 2013. However, it seems that the production or release of this series has not been announced since then.
Viva La Statham
In my perspective, life took an unexpected turn after the events of Layer Cake left me nursing a gunshot wound and stranded in the captivating Caribbean. Fate seemed to be on my side as I was scouting for the perfect spot to settle down peacefully. However, it wasn’t long before my past caught up with me, and once again, I found myself entangled in a web of crime. As the excerpt from Connolly’s book suggests:
The narrative of Viva la Madness expands globally, featuring illicit trans-Atlantic drug transactions, money laundering, and sophisticated electronic fraud. Remarkably realistic details portray these activities. The unnamed protagonist of Layer Cake is unwillingly lured back into the drug trade, denying him a peaceful retirement. From basking in the tropical luxury of the Caribbean to navigating the perilous streets of London, where Venezuelan cartels brandish machine guns in Mayfair, the tale shifts from violence and absurdity to criminal lunacy.
Based on various reports, the television series titled “Viva La Madness” was acquired by Netflix and produced by Gaumont International Television. In 2015, around 22 months after the initial announcement, Jason Statham and the head of Gaumont sat down with Variety for an interview about the show. Katie O’Connell Marsh, CEO of Gaumot, described “Viva La Madness” as a thrilling mix of action and comedy that is uniquely crafted by J.J. Connolly. The series is known for its dark humor, fast-paced dialogue, and intense action sequences that are signature to Connolly’s work.
Jason Statham, famed for his roles in films such as the Transporter trilogy, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, The Bank Job, Furious 7, and Spy, infuses his characters with an impressive level of strength and authenticity while subtly conveying a touch of vulnerability that adds depth to his on-screen presence, as Marsh noted. Over almost a decade, it appears Katie O’Connell Marsh has advanced to the role of executive producer at Apple TV+, yet the anticipated project Viva La Madness remains unrealized. Statham himself commented on this back then.
J.J.’s writing style is so captivating and genuine that it’s challenging to let any part of it go. Reducing characters or trimming scenes didn’t work; we wanted to keep everything. The ideal format turned out to be a 10-hour-long series, allowing viewers to immerse themselves completely in Connolly’s world.
Jason Statham’s Viva La Madness Was Scheduled to Film
There had been no news about “Viva La Madness” for a span of three years, but by December 2017, rumors emerged that production would start in the United Kingdom. Three months following this, according to Screenrant, it was announced that filming was indeed underway.
It seems that the production of the Netflix show, adapted from “Viva La Madness,” is picking up speed once more and is slated to continue for several months, likely from mid-March through August. The primary filming locations are expected to be at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom.
After that, we didn’t receive any further updates about the project “Viva La Madness”. It could be because the rights expired and Statham chose not to renew them, or maybe he found himself with too many commitments. Following his acquisition of the rights for “Viva La Madness”, Statham got married, started a family with two children, and saw his star rise. He joined the “Fast & Furious” series at its peak and also starred in blockbusters like “The Meg” and “The Beekeeper”. Given his growing workload, it’s possible that a 10-part series might have been too demanding for Statham.
Perhaps taking over Daniel Craig’s iconic role is quite daunting; stepping into the shoes of a character he played so brilliantly in “Layer Cake” would leave many actors feeling jittery. With Craig no longer being Bond, James Bond, there may be an exciting future where we can find him once more on that Caribbean beach, possibly reprising his “Layer Cake” role in “Viva La Madness”. Who knows what the future might bring?
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2024-11-12 06:31