The latest action thriller starring Jason Statham, The Beekeeper, has crossed the $100 million mark at the global box office. With $42 million earned domestically and $62 million internationally so far, the film has proven to be a solid hit for Statham and the action genre.
Domestic Earnings Reach $42 Million
In its third weekend of release in North America, The Beekeeper added another $12 million to its domestic total. This brings its North American box office earnings to an impressive $42.3 million, according to studio estimates.
The Beekeeper scored a strong $19 million opening weekend domestically and has shown good legs over subsequent frames. Drops of just 45% and 39% in weeks two and three indicate strong word of mouth.
Playing in 3,303 theaters across the U.S. and Canada, the film is connecting with Statham’s action fanbase. It also appeals to audiences looking for a gritty, vengeance-fueled thriller.
International Total Climbs to $62 Million
Internationally, The Beekeeper has grossed $61.9 million to date. It is performing well across multiple overseas markets, with solid openings in the UK, Australia, France, Germany, and Southeast Asia.
The top foreign markets so far include:
- United Kingdom – $9.8 million
- Australia – $8.2 million
- France – $7.1 million
- Germany – $6.3 million
- Mexico – $4.2 million
Additional major markets like South Korea, Brazil, and Japan will be launching in the coming weeks. This should give The Beekeeper’s international total a further boost.
Worldwide Cume Tops $100 Million
With domestic and international grosses combined, The Beekeeper has now earned more than $104 million globally. Crossing $100 million worldwide is a major milestone for an original action movie not based on existing IP.
The film’s production budget was around $50 million, so it is well on track to ultimately net a significant profit. Sources predict it could top out between $180-220 million worldwide if it continues to hold well.
For comparison, Statham’s last hardcore action movie Cliff Walk earned $113 million globally on a similar budget. So The Beekeeper should safely best that total thanks to positive word of mouth.
What Critics and Audiences Are Saying
Reviews for The Beekeeper have been mostly positive, with critics praising Statham’s intense performance and the film’s unrelenting action sequences. It holds a 72% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences have responded even more favorably, awarding the film an “A” CinemaScore. Fans are applauding the movie for delivering exactly what they want from a Statham action thriller.
Positive word of mouth is fueling the film’s box office run. Viewers have called it “non-stop adrenaline,” “Statham’s best in years,” and “an instant action classic.” With momentum like this, The Beekeeper should continue posting strong numbers in the coming weeks.
The Appeal of Jason Statham
A major factor in The Beekeeper’s success is its star, Jason Statham. He has built a strong following among action movie fans thanks to franchises like The Transporter, The Mechanic, and the Fast Saga.
Audiences know what to expect when they see Statham’s name above the title: intense fight sequences, high-octane stunts, and a gruff, no-nonsense leading man. The Beekeeper delivers all of that in spades.
Despite being 55 years old, Statham has shown no signs of slowing down as an action star. If anything, he seems to be ramping up the physicality and brutality of his recent roles. Fans around the world simply can’t get enough of his magnetic brand of on-screen toughness.
What The Beekeeper is About
The Beekeeper casts Statham as a mysterious drifter being pursued by a team of highly trained assassins. After dispatching his attackers in various inventive ways, he sets out on a quest for vengeance against the shadowy group that sent them.
It is eventually revealed that Statham’s character John Dirk is a former operative of the Beekeepers, an underground society of elite killers. When he attempted to leave their ranks, they responded by slaughtering his family.
Now on a personal mission to eliminate the entire Beekeepers organization and its leaders, John must also contend with relentless pursuers from the CIA and other intelligence agencies. No one can be trusted as he navigates closer to the truth behind the clandestine group.
Critics have praised the film’s intricate plot, saying it adds depth and surprises that elevate the material beyond a generic action movie. Viewers seem invested in unraveling the mystery along with Statham’s brooding hero.
Standout Action Sequences
Of course, thrilling action is still the prime selling point for any Jason Statham movie. On that front, The Beekeeper more than satisfies fans with several standout set pieces.
The opening 20 minutes feature a grueling fight aboard a moving semi truck, as Statham battles three assassins sent to eliminate him. He makes clever use of the truck’s confined space and moving parts to dispose of his attackers.
A later sequence sees Statham escaping the CIA by motorcycle, racing through busy city streets and even through a crowded shopping mall. The eclectic locales showcase his athleticism and daredevil riding skills.
The climax finds Statham facing down dozens of Beekeeper agents singlehandedly. He lets loose against the corrupt organization, showcasing a brutal, take-no-prisoners fighting style fans have come to expect and love.
Will There Be a Sequel?
The Beekeeper’s box office success and open ending clearly set the stage for a possible franchise down the line. While not officially greenlit yet, preliminary talks for a sequel are reportedly underway.
The mysterious nature of the Beekeepers organization and Statham’s vengeful protagonist both offer lots of potential for further installments. Fans on social media are already voicing their enthusiasm for more big-screen adventures with Statham’s lethal loner.
For now, audiences are still buzzing about The Beekeeper bringing intense R-rated action back to theaters. With $100 million and counting worldwide, the film proves that Jason Statham remains one of cinema’s most reliable action stars. Wherever The Beekeeper journeys next, fans will be eagerly following.
