Typically when an action franchise starts over with a new lead actor, it’s because the original star has tired of playing the character but the studio feels there is still money to be made on the franchise.
This, as you can imagine, rarely means a good product, unless the main character’s name rhymes with Blames Fond. So when “The Transporter Refueled” was announced, excitement quickly turned to apathy when it was revealed it would be Statham-less.
What exactly do we know about Ed Skrein, the man who is trying to fill Jason Statham’s high-kicking loafers? Not much. he has a few credits, but nothing of any real name recognition. He appeared in a few episodes of “Game of Thrones,” but aside from that his filmography, at a glance, is less than impressive.
So chances are good that, given the pedigree and the placement (in early September, when moviegoers tend to stay home in droves), that “The Transporter” won’t be refueling again after this go-round.
Of course, his predecessor was of similar renown at one point and is today an international superstar. So perhaps he has a shot after all.
