Based on J.J. Connolly's 2000 novel, Layer Cake marked not only the directorial debut of Matthew Vaughn, but is also seen as the movie that led to Daniel Craig, who took the lead as a character known only as XXXX, being cast as James Bond. On top of all that, it is a fanatstic movie, and one of the best British crime movies of the last few years. Despite the ending seemingly making it impossible, the movies nameless protagonist will return in Viva La Madness. Craig, sadly, is not returning, being replaced here by Jason Statham. While he probably wouldn't be anyones first choice for the role, Statham has proven he can deliver great performances without resorting to kicking men through walls. The likes of The Bank Job, Snatch, and Hummingbird spring to mind, and I'm curious to see him in this role.
Based on Connolly's 2011 sequel to his book, Viva La Madness will move from the London underworld to the world of international crime, with our hero being pulled back into the drug game just as he is about to begin his long awaited retirement. Like the original movie, Connolly will supply the script, and the movie will be made under Statham's own SJ Pictures banner. No director has been attached yet.
Via Deadline
