One can only imagine how Jason Statham gets anything done with such a boisterous personality. Fans who've watched the Fast and Furious actor interact behind the scenes know that Statham is the polar opposite of the ultra-serious characters he often portrays. He typically plays assassins, and spies—characters who aren't known for being lighthearted. Behind the scenes, though, Statham is a laugh riot.
In the SPY blooper reel, the camera focuses on Statham as he delivers some crucial dialogue, except the content makes him break character at every turn. Each line that the director provides becomes progressively funnier as Statham attempts to deliver them with a straight face. He can't, though.
On the first line alone, Statham cracks up with nonstop laughter. He's presumably hearing them for the first time, but even if he's not, who wouldn't react to a line of dialogue about eating microchips and then repurposing them after they've been processed? Statham is a human being with a healthy sense of humor, too. So, it's reasonable that he reacts that way to a director feeding him witty dialogue.
Statham reacts similarly to the rest of the lines given to him; he can't keep a straight face, though. It's clear that theTransporter actor can get the job done, given how often he's cast in leading roles. However, watching Statham have to "reset" is refreshing. Sometimes, as fans, we forget the humanity in the actors onscreen, but these clips remind us again.
Keep in mind that Statham's comedic timing and expertise are always evident, despite having limited opportunities to showcase them. For example, in Hobbs and Shaw, he drops witty one-liners and clapbacks to Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) while maintaining the sternest expression on his face. Shaw (Jason Statham) appears unflappable, but during a brief moment of respite, he drops the facade. Both he and Johnson break character in what seems intentional but was improvised and kept in the movie because it worked.
Additional evidence of Statham's versatility lies in other projects he's contributed to. For instance, the Crank movies are nonsense—fun but nonsensical action for the boys. They demand an actor with zero inhibition and the ability to laugh at one's self; qualities that Statham embodies. He played the part to perfection, fully committing to every bit, no matter how humorous. Driving a motorcycle in a hospital gown is a perfect example of his commitment.
Our final takeaway is that actors who are serious can crack a joke, while those who wind up typecast as the comedic relief can play dramatic roles if necessary.
SPY is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.