Jason Statham to Have His Own Punisher Franchise Outside of Marvel

In the build-up to The Beekeeper 2, director Timo Tjahjanto has said that he intends to shape Jason Statham‘s character in the action thriller sequel like Marvel‘s The Punisher. In a recent interview, the Indonesian filmmaker revealed that since he has yet to helm a project centering around the iconic character of Frank Castle, he will adopt the persona of the vengeful mercenary into Statham’s Adam Clay in The Beekeeper 2.

Timo Tjahjanto to turn Jason Statham into his ‘own version of The Punisher’ in The Beekeeper 2

While speaking with ScreenRant about his upcoming directorial venture, Nobody 2, Timo Tjahjanto noted that he decided to take over the reins of The Beekeeper franchise from David Ayer due to its similarities with The Punisher.

“I’m definitely drawn to the Beekeeper series just because when I watched it, I always felt that, ‘Wow, this is essentially Statham playing one of my favorite characters in the Marvel universe, which is The Punisher,'” Tjahjanto stated. He also added, “If I can’t make The Punisher film, if the Gods of film aren’t allowing me to do a Punisher film yet, then I’ll turn Adam Clay into my own version of The Punisher.”

Statham’s Perfect Fit for a Vigilante Role

The filmmaker further highlighted the similarities between Jason Statham’s acting chops and The Punisher’s demeanor, noting, “I think Statham has that quality in him. He has that very stoic Frank Castle-esque quality to him. And I love that Adam Clay is definitely a guy who is quite colorful in his choice of violence. He gets really, really creative with his violence.”

This comparison does not come as a surprise to audiences familiar with Statham’s career. From Crank to The Transporter series and the Fast & Furious films, the British actor has consistently embodied characters who rely on grit, discipline, and physicality. His signature style blends toughness with an undercurrent of humanity, a mix that aligns perfectly with the essence of The Punisher. By channeling this energy into Adam Clay, Tjahjanto is essentially creating a vigilante figure who thrives on both precision and ruthlessness.

Expanding the Villain Roster

Tjahjanto closed his account on the upcoming Beekeeper sequel by teasing the enhanced scale of villains in the film, stating, “Another thing that draws me is definitely the escalation of just how big the villains are in this film. So, you can wait for that.”

Such remarks suggest that audiences can expect a sequel with higher stakes and more elaborate antagonists. While the first film introduced a storyline involving corruption and abuse of power, the sequel may take those themes further by presenting larger-than-life villains who push Adam Clay’s limits. By raising the intensity, Tjahjanto appears determined to expand the franchise into a saga that keeps growing in scope.

Why The Punisher Parallel Matters

The Punisher has always stood out among Marvel’s darker, more grounded characters. Frank Castle represents vengeance, justice, and the blurred lines between morality and survival. By shaping Adam Clay in this image, Tjahjanto is tapping into a long tradition of gritty antiheroes who fight for justice in unconventional ways.

For audiences, this parallel may add an extra layer of intrigue to The Beekeeper 2. Fans who admire The Punisher but have longed for a new take on the character could see Statham’s Adam Clay as a spiritual successor. While Marvel might control the rights to Frank Castle, Tjahjanto is crafting his own variation within a different franchise—giving audiences the flavor of The Punisher without stepping into Marvel territory.

The Future of The Beekeeper Franchise

While Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed that The Beekeeper 2 is currently in development, they have yet to assign an official release date to the much-awaited sequel. The studio’s decision to move forward demonstrates confidence not only in the original film’s performance but also in the creative direction Tjahjanto brings to the table.

If the sequel delivers on its promise of heightened villains, Punisher-inspired action, and Jason Statham at the center of it all, The Beekeeper could evolve into a flagship action series. Much like franchises such as John Wick and Nobody, it has the potential to build a loyal fanbase around its lead character’s relentless pursuit of justice.

Until more details emerge, anticipation continues to grow. With Jason Statham stepping into what may be his most Punisher-like role yet, audiences can expect brutal combat, morally complex storytelling, and a vigilante hero who will stop at nothing to protect what he believes in.