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Jason Statham’s cinematic journey began with consecutive roles in Guy Ritchie films, propelling him to stardom by the mid-2000s. It was during this transformative period that Statham released some of his most acclaimed films, including the start of his solo franchise, “The Transporter.” His rising fame was evident as he began landing memorable cameo roles, a hallmark of having truly arrived in Hollywood. One such cameo was in the opening scenes of the 2006 comedy mystery reboot, “The Pink Panther.”
Sony Pictures Releasing
In this film, Steve Martin takes on the iconic role of the clumsy detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau, who is once again on a quest for the missing diamond. This time, the diamond vanishes after a football player, wearing it on his ring, is murdered on the field, leading to the disappearance of the ring amidst the turmoil. The football player, portrayed by Statham in an uncredited role, added an unexpected thrill for audiences. Although critics were not overly impressed, the film performed well at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing “Pink Panther” movie to date, with Statham’s cameo being a delightful surprise for viewers.
Among Statham’s most replayed movie moments is his cameo in the action-packed thriller “Collateral,” featuring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, which came two years before “The Pink Panther.” This brief appearance occurs early in the movie, where Statham’s character plays a pivotal role in setting the plot into motion. Credited simply as “Airport Man,” he passes a crucial briefcase to hitman Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, who then enlists Jamie Foxx’s cab driver character, Max, to deliver it.
Fans quickly noted the striking similarity between Statham’s character in “Collateral” and his role in “The Transporter,” particularly the signature suit. Even before the shared universe trend took off, many speculated that Statham’s character was indeed Frank Martin from “The Transporter,” orchestrating the handoff. Such a scenario aligns perfectly with Frank Martin’s expertise in transporting sensitive cargo.
Statham also made a crucial cameo in Collateral
DreamWorks Pictures
Director Louis Leterrier of “Transporter,” “Collateral” writer Stuart Beattie, and Statham himself concur that the character in “Collateral” is indeed Frank Martin. However, Beattie acknowledges that those who own the rights to both films might not be eager to officially endorse this crossover. The necessity for Statham to be credited as “Airport Man” seems to underscore this reluctance.
Many people noted the fact that Statham is wearing a suit in “Collateral” much like he does in “The Transporter.” Even in the days before everyone was desperate to turn everything into a shared universe, people speculated that it was indeed meant to be Frank Martin, Statham’s character from “The Transporter,” doing the hand off. It makes sense, as delivering a suitcase to a hitman in an airport is exactly the type of job that Frank would do.
“Transporter” director Louis Leterrier, “Collateral” writer Stuart Beattie, and Statham himself are all in agreement that it is indeed Frank Martin in “Collateral.” But Beattie admits that the people who actually hold the rights to the respective movies and characters probably aren’t as willing to officially acknowledge the crossover. The fact that Statham had to be credited as “Airport Man” seems to confirm that.
