Designed as a piece of counter-programming in the aftermath ofSnow White’s release, the new action movieA Working Manexceeded expectations in its box office debut. The movie benefited greatly fromSnow White’s underperformance as it emerged as the first choice for audiences this weekend.A Working Manwould’ve had a far more difficult time hadSnow Whiteperformed as it should have. But, as audiences rejected Disney’s latest live-action remake, they turned to starJason Stathamfor salvation. And he delivered, as he (usually) does.
With $15 million domestically and another $15 million from overseas markets,A Working Manhas grossed $30 million in its global box office debut. By comparison, Statham’s first collaboration with directorDavid Ayer, last year’sThe Beekeeper, generated $16 million domestically and $39 million worldwide in its debut weekend last year. Both moviescost a reported $40 million to produce.The Beekeeperconcluded its run with over $65 million domestically and more than $150 million worldwide, thanks to positive reviews and an even better audience response. It continues to hold a “fresh” 71% rating and an even better 92% audience score on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes.
A Working Man, on the other hand, holds a “rotten” 53% score. That being said, audiences have been kinder to the movie, giving it a 90% rating onRotten Tomatoesand a B CinemaScore.In his review, Collider’sNate RicharddescribedA Working Manas “the kind of throwback to the action movies of the late-80s and early-90s, that will have both your inner-action buff and your Dad hooting and hollering in the theater.” Despite the uneven nature of the theatrical landscape in the post-pandemic era, Statham has had a largely successful run, with hits such asWrath of Man,Meg 2: The Trench, andThe Beekeeperunder his belt.
Ayer’s Career Appears To Be Back on Track
He’s set to return ina sequel to that film, which will be directed byTimo Tjahjanto. Ayer, on the other hand, is pulling off a comeback of his own. Having broken out as the writer of the modern crime classicTraining Day, he established his directorial talents with hits such asEnd of WatchandFury. His career suffered a setback with the controversial DCEU filmSuicide Squad, which opened to poor reviews after being tampered with in post-production. Ayer is nowprepping a new project, reportedly set to starBrad Pitt.
You can watchA Working Manin theaters and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
A Working Man
Based on the book series by Chuck Dixon, A Working Man is an action-thriller directed by David Ayer and starring Jason Statham as the titular hero. Levon Cade (Statham) left his “profession” behind to live a simple life working construction and spending time with his daughter. But when his boss’s teenage daughter vanishes, he’s called upon to re-employ the skills that made him a legendary figure in the shadowy world of black ops. Levon’s hunt for the missing college student takes him to the heart of a sinister criminal conspiracy creating a chain reaction that will threaten his new way of life.
