The New Beekeeper Movie: A Tongue-in-Cheek Action Comedy

The recently released action movie The Beekeeper starring Jason Statham is exactly what it sounds like on the surface: a humorous, bee-themed action comedy where Statham dishes out justice to any bad guy who crosses his path.

While staying true to the classic elements that define Statham’s work, this film marks a departure from the typical projects of its director, David Ayer, known for his involvement in gritty crime dramas like Street Kings and End of Watch, and for 2016’s Suicide Squad. Ayer sat down with Polygon to share insights about his collaboration with Statham, his eagerness to delve into a different genre, and his most beloved bee-themed joke from this film.

Polygon: The Appeal of the Project

David Ayer: I received the script with Jason already attached to the project. The script featured a compelling character and a captivating plot structure that kept me on edge throughout. Many scripts these days are predictable, but this one caught me off guard, and that’s when I knew there was something special about it. Working with Jason, a versatile and exceptional actor, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. He excels in action roles and is undoubtedly one of the best, so building an entertaining and heartfelt movie around him was an easy decision.

David Ayer on Working with Statham

Understanding Jason’s approach to acting was essential. He has a unique connection with his audience, and as a director, I had to learn his language and showcase it on screen. Off set, Jason is humble and unassuming. However, during filming, he brings his A-game and demands the same from everyone else. I gained invaluable insights into action genres from working with Jason.

Learning about action choreography and body kinetics on screen was a major takeaway for me. Jason’s knowledge of cinematic action is unparalleled; he can predict if a punch or move will resonate with the audience almost instinctively. That level of understanding is truly exceptional.

Appreciating the Prop-Based Action

The prop-based action sequences added a layer of excitement and fun to the movie. It exemplified the character of Jason Statham as the Beekeeper and contributed to the unique blend of humor and action.

Challenges Faced and Overcome

For Ayer, shooting the gas station scene was particularly challenging due to time constraints. The pressure of creatively managing limited time and resources was an obstacle, but it ultimately exceeded his expectations upon seeing the final cut.

Finding Balance in the Movie’s Tone

Ayer faced the significant challenge of balancing a tragic revenge story with lighthearted bee-centric humor. To achieve this, he drew inspiration from ’80s movies and emphasized the importance of grounding the film while still going over the top when necessary.

The Director’s Project Vision

Ayer emphasized that the film’s title is crucial as it provides a container to set the tone. The desire to infuse fun and entertainment into the movie was evident from the start, resonating with audiences who yearn for an enjoyable movie experience.

A New Endeavor in Filmmaking

The vibrant color palette, equated to the warm tones of honey, was a deliberate choice in line with the movie’s bee-related theme. Ayer took the opportunity to explore a new visual style by leveraging the capabilities of a new camera system.

Inspiration and Social Commentary

The call center villain aesthetics sought to portray the excesses of the crypto world. The film aimed to critique individuals with a sense of self-importance, echoing the dangers of winning at the expense of others.

A Light-Hearted Approach to Cinema

Amidst the world’s challenges, Ayer shared his desire to create an enjoyable and entertaining movie that allows audiences to escape while watching deserving individuals get their comeuppance.

The Beekeeper is now playing in theaters.