Jason Statham has cemented himself as one of Hollywood’s top action stars over his decades-long career. Yet even with his proven ability to convincingly take down bad guys on screen, Statham remains uninterested in joining the universal world of superhero franchises. In a recent interview, the Expendables star explained why fans shouldn’t expect to see him suit up as a caped crusader anytime soon. Turns out, Statham simply isn’t attracted to the more fanciful aspects of the genre.

What Does Jason Statham Dislike About Superhero Movies?

When asked in an interview with Variety, why he has resisted joining major superhero universes like the MCU or DCU, Jason Statham singled out the costumes as a turnoff:

“I don’t have a big appetite for a costume, with cape and tights. I like old school 80s movies. I was inspired by people like [Sylvester] Stallone and Arnold [Schwarzenegger]. And even before those guys, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman and [Clint] Eastwood. I just couldn’t see any of those guys putting on a cape, and a mask and going around on wires.”

So while Statham enjoys action films, the more grounded and gritty aesthetic of older movies appeals more than the CGI-heavy superpowered spectacles currently dominating multiplexes. He prefers raw action to wirework wizardry.

What Types of Action Does Draw Jason Statham In?

Jason Statham – Death Race

Simply put, Statham thrives when he can fully immerse himself in rugged roles within a believable real-world setting. As he explains:

“Cinema is like music. Some people like Country and Western, others like heavy metal. I’m drawn to a bit more of a grounded kind of action… Well, I like being grounded to be an element we inject into the crazy world that we’re in.”

So he’ll happily crack skulls in another Expendables film or Fast Saga spinoff. But phase into the Quantum Realm? No thanks.

What’s Jason Statham’s Next Film About?

Jason Statham – Death Race

His newest movie, The Beekeeper, seems right in Statham’s wheelhouse as a gritty tale of revenge. He plays an ex-operative turned apiarist who springs back into action after a group of criminals scam his elderly friend.

Director David Ayer, known for hard-hitting action flicks like End of Watch and Suicide Squad, helms the film loaded with a talented cast including Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, and Phylicia Rashad alongside Statham. And Statham hopes the unique concept could launch a franchise if successful, teasing:

“The whole world [of the film] has a mythology of the ‘beekeeping’ world. If we were fortunate enough to make a sequel, we have a whole world that we can dive into.”

So while the MCU buzz may never attract Statham, perhaps the world of beekeeping could if The Beekeeper resonates with audiences. But he’ll surely stick to his guns and avoid the spandex regardless.