Statham doing Bruen's Blitz (Updated with comments from Ken Bruen as well as my own thoughts).

by | Jul 3, 2009 | Films

We have confirmed that Jason Statham (THE TRANSPORTER, CRANK) has agreed to play Brant, a rather crude, un-pc, borderline sociopath of a cop, in the film version of Ken Bruen‘s novel BLITZ.

Paddy Considine (THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, HOT FUZZ) will be playing Sergeant Porter Nash, an openly gay cop that works with the homophobic Brant.

“The South East London police squad are down and out: Detective Sergeant Brant is in hot water for assaulting a police shrink, Chief Inspector Roberts’ wife has died in a horrific car accident, and WPC Falls is still figuring out how to navigate her job as a black female investigator in the notorious unit. When a serial killer takes his show on the road, things get worse for all three. Nicknamed “The Blitz” by the rabid London media, the killer is aiming for tabloid immortality by killing cops in different beats around the city.”

I think this could end up being some dynamite casting. While most of Jason’s past roles have not exactly required heavy lifting, actingwise, I think this is a role that he could really sink his teeth into. He can use the image his prev roles have established, as well as showing off some real acting skills. Brant appears in numerous books so this also has the potential to be another franchise for him. I do have to say that I am not sure if the rights to any of the other books were purchased.

I asked the always cool Ken Bruen about this casting and he seems pretty pleased with it:

“I think Jason Statham will really step up to the plate for Brant, he’s been looking for a part to make his own and I think this is it”

The screenplay comes from Nathan Parker (MOON) with Elliott Lester (LOVE IS A DRUG) directing.

Filming starts on Aug 10th.

Bout damn time we get some Bruen on the silver screen!

Editor’s Note: I have corrected the spelling of Jason’s last name in Ken’s quote. I got a handful of emails pointing out the erroneous inclusion of an R. But Ken should not feel bad since I left off a T in Elliott Lester’s name. This was also pointed out to me….sorry Elliott!
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3 Comments

  1. Sean
    Sean on July 5, 2009 at 1:12 am

    Just read Blitz (and The White Trilogy) and am pumped for this.

    I guess Statham could be pretty good in this role. As you said, it has some qualities that we have seen in his other roles yet could also give him room to expand his range.

  2. jedidiah ayres
    jedidiah ayres on July 5, 2009 at 7:50 am

    Much easier to imagine than Jude Law.