Jason Statham AND Guy Ritchie are collaborating once again, and that’s always something to be excited about. The dynamic duo behind Lock, stock and two smoking barrels, RipAND The wrath of man are reuniting for their sixth collaboration, an action thriller titled Long live the madness.
The film promises more of the gritty, stylish underworld energy that has made their past projects fan favorites.
Long live the madness is based on JJ Connolly’s 2011 novel, the sequel to his acclaimed novel Layer cake. While the book continues the story of an anonymous London drug dealer known only as “X,” the film is described as an original film in its own right, not a sequel or spin-off.
This means fans can expect Ritchie’s signature bravado and criminal mayhem, but with a new storyline that stands on its own.
The project has been in the works for years, initiated by Jason Statham and the producer Thomas Benski (London gang), which they are producing through Punch Palace Productions and Lumina Studios, along with Ritchie’s Toff Guy Films. Black Bear is also producing and handling international sales, with plans to launch the project at the upcoming American Film Market.
Production will begin in January 2026, with Statham currently the only confirmed cast member. Ritchie will write and direct.
Connolly Long live the madness is a darkly comic and edgy crime story full of scams, sex, narcotics and dirty money. It continues the story of a disillusioned drug dealer, trapped between the attraction of easy money and the desire to escape it all. The material seems tailor-made for Ritchie’s brilliant direction and Statham’s down-to-earth presence on screen.
I’m sure you remember the 2004 film Layer cakedirected by Matthew Vaughn and interpreted Daniel Craighelped redefine the British gangster genre. Vaughn had previously produced Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, so Viva La Madness feels like a well-rounded moment for everyone involved. Craig’s role in Layer Cake paved the way for him to become James Bond, while Sienna Miller also broke into that film.
A sequel to Layer Cake has been rumored for over a decade, with initial reports in 2013 suggesting that Statham would take over the role of Craig. Now it looks like Ritchie and Statham are finally ready to bring that energy to life, even if this new film isn’t a direct continuation.
Over the years, Guy Ritchie has returned to his British crime roots with trendy hits like The Lordsits Netflix spin-off series and the upcoming Wife and dog for Paramount+.
With Long live the madnessRitchie and Statham are returning to the gritty, chaotic world that helped define their careers.
Source: variety
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
