Ric Roman waugh discusses why Jason Statham’s performance in Shelter will leave audiences mesmerised
In an exclusive interview with Ric Roman Waugh, director of the upcoming action-packed thriller Shelter, fans get a first glimpse into the much-anticipated film starring Jason Statham, Naomi Ackie, and Bill Nighy. The recently released trailer has already sparked buzz, and Waugh is eager to share why this movie might just be “Jason Statham at his best.”
The film, which hits theatres early next year, tells the story of Mason, a mysterious man who has spent over a decade living alone in an abandoned lighthouse on a secluded island. His solitude is disrupted when a young girl, Jessie, and her uncle bring him supplies. Initially indifferent to them, Mason’s life takes a dramatic turn when he must save Jessie’s life, forcing him to confront his past and the dark secrets that have been chasing him. As the plot unfolds, Mason is revealed to be a man wrongfully accused of crimes and now on the run. What follows is a heart-pounding action ride about redemption, survival, and the bond between two lost souls who find family in one another.
According to Waugh, the heart of Shelter lies in the compelling relationship between Statham’s character and Jessie, played by Hamnet’s Bodhi Rae Breathnach. “When we did the chemistry test, we just knew she was the one,” Waugh recalls. “Jason and I looked at each other and thought, ‘What do we do now? She’s perfect for the role.’ This was a crucial decision, as we were looking for that special connection, much like the dynamic between Natalie Portman and Jean Reno in The Professional or Dakota Fanning and Denzel Washington in Man on Fire.” Waugh continues, “This isn’t just an action movie. It’s a film that tugs at your heartstrings, exploring how two lost souls find each other and don’t want to let go.”
The film promises to be a tear-jerker at times, as Mason tries to do the right thing for Jessie while grappling with the shadows of his past. Waugh adds, “It’s a story about family, survival, and the human condition. Jason’s performance is extraordinary he brings his A-game in a way that will shock and move audiences.”
Statham’s long-standing reputation as a no-nonsense action star precedes him, but Waugh insists that this role allows him to show a different side of his talent. “This is Jason Statham at his best. Not just as an action star, but as an actor with depth and range,” Waugh says. “This role pushes him to the limits, and he delivers a performance that will win your heart over. He’s truly the best dance partner you could ask for.”
While Statham is known for his hard-hitting roles in films like The Transporter and The Expendables, Shelter promises to showcase his ability to blend action with emotional depth. Fans of the actor can expect intense fight scenes, but also a performance that humanises his character and gives viewers a glimpse into the vulnerability of a man haunted by his past.
Rounding out the film’s ensemble cast are Bill Nighy, famous for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually, and Naomi Ackie, known for her work in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Yet, it’s Statham who commands the screen, according to Waugh. “He owns every scene he’s in,” the director says. “This is Jason Statham’s movie, and he proves once again why he’s one of the best action stars of his generation.”As the trailer continues to captivate audiences online, Waugh is confident that Shelter will be a movie that makes people “want to put their ass in a theater.” With a thrilling narrative, strong performances, and the action-packed sequences that Statham fans crave, this film is shaping up to be a must-see for 2026