Statham and Ayer Reunite for John Doe Thriller

Jason Statham and director David Ayer are reuniting for their third action collaboration with the upcoming thriller "John Doe," which Miramax will produce and finance.

Statham stars as the Man With No Name, a character who awakens with no memory, no past and no identity except for one unforgettable face: Eliza. As pieces of his former self emerge, he learns he was trained for an ongoing mission and is now pursued by the same organization that deployed him. Facing mounting threats, he confronts a pivotal choice between completing his objective or safeguarding the sole element that restores his humanity: love.

David Ayer, known for films including "Suicide Squad" and "Fury," will direct from a screenplay by Zak Penn, whose credits encompass "Ready Player One," "The Avengers" and "Free Guy." Statham joins as a producer through his Punch Palace Productions alongside Penn and Paul Schiff. Black Bear will present the project to international buyers at the Cannes market.

Production is scheduled to begin in 2026. The announcement builds on the duo's prior successes. Their 2024 film "The Beekeeper," also backed by Miramax, grossed more than $163 million worldwide on a modest budget. The...