Jason Statham to star in 'Layer Cake' sequel 'Viva La Madness'

Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Daniel Craig played the unnamed protagonist in Layer Cake, the 2004 adaptation of J.J. Connolly's 2000 novel, but he's probably got his hands full saving the world while wearing expensive and impressively tailored suits.

Enter Jason Statham, another stone-faced British actor, who has bought the rights to Connolly's Layer Cake follow-up, Viva La Madness, with producing partner Steve Chasman. Statham will step into Craig's shoes as the no-name criminal anti-hero of the story, whom viewers last saw suffering from a supposedly fatal gunshot wound.

Hoping for retirement, Statham's character will get "involved with trans-Atlantic drug deals, money laundering, high-tech electronic fraud, London lowlifes and Venezuelan drug cartels."

While Layer Cake was certainly well-received, Statham has plenty of crime thriller cred to take Craig's place. He's previously starred in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch.

[Deadline]