The Transporter series is being revived this year with a brand new prequel to the popular action series, appropriately titled The Transporter: Refueled (get it, 'cause it's about fast cars?). The reboot/prequel is the first Transporter film since 2008's Transporter 3, and the fourth since the series began in 2002. But will The Transporter Refueled get a sequel? It'd make sense, given the changes that occurred with this film — Refueled (out Sept. 4) is the first in the franchise to not star Jason Statham as the badass driver and action hero Frank Martin.
Without Statham, The Transporter writer and director Luc Besson, who co-wrote the reboot, decided against going ahead with a different hero in this new film, and instead went the way of the prequel, casting a new, fresh face to play a young Frank Martin. In the prequel, Frank inadvertently becomes a getaway driver for a group of sexy bank robbers, landing him in hot water with an evil Russian kingpin. Ed Skrein, who originated the role of Daario Naharis on Game of Thrones , is taking over the role of Frank for Statham in The Transporter Refueled. During his press tour, the actor hinted at the future of the Transporter franchise.
When The Transporter Refueled was first announced, the entire idea of a Transporter reboot was reported as a new trilogy — Transporter 4, 5, and 6 . In fact, Transporter 5 and Transporter 6 are tentatively listed on Besson's IMDB page, and deals have already been made for the films between Besson's EuropaCorp and Fundamental Films. However, none of those supposed sequels are on Skrein's IMDB page, and neither of the projects have projected release or production dates listed. As with any sequel, it's likely that any future Transporter films will depend on the box office.
Of course, given the series' past success, it's highly unlikely The Transporter Refueled won't get a sequel, and Skrein is certainly down for a follow-up film. When asked about the possibility for more Transporter films, Skrein said he'd be open to do as many as Besson wants. "I could potentially be in for a sequel, but you never know in the industry right? You never know if it'll turn into 20 movies, so I take every day as it comes," Skrein told ScreenRant.
Even if The Transporter Refueled doesn't get a sequel, audiences will still get a chance to see Skrein heat up the big screen. Skrein's got a big year ahead. Not only is the actor starring in his biggest film to date with Transporter Refueled, he will also star opposite Ryan Reynolds in the upcoming Deadpool movie as Ajax. Should his character survive the film, Skrein said that he'd be equally game to participate in other X-Men films, telling ScreenRant, "We'll have to wait and see. I'm just such a fan of what Ryan [Reynolds] has done with the role and I'm just so proud to have done the one movie. Again, if it turns into 20 movies, great, or if it's just the one, I'm happy to have had the the experience and the growth."
Depending on the success of The Transporter Refueled, Skrein could very well end up with two major Hollywood franchises on his hands.
Images: EuropaCorp/Relativity Media; Giphy (2)
