Buckle up, action fans—The Beekeeper 2 is officially in the works at Amazon MGM Studios, and Jason Statham is set to return as the vengeance-driven Adam Clay! The sequel to the 2024 breakout hit was greenlit on May 6, 2025, with filming slated to begin this fall under director Timo Tjahjanto (Nobody 2). With a beefy budget and a theatrical release in the cards, this follow-up to the bee-themed vigilante thriller is poised to deliver more of Statham’s signature mayhem. Fans are already buzzing for Clay’s next mission, and Amazon MGM’s all-in commitment signals big things for this budding franchise.
What’s Happening with The Beekeeper 2?
Amazon MGM Studios has locked in worldwide distribution rights for The Beekeeper 2 in a deal valued at over $50 million, a clear sign they’re banking on Statham’s star power. Production kicks off in September 2025, with Miramax producing. Timo Tjahjanto, known for visceral action flicks like The Night Comes for Us, steps in as director, taking over from David Ayer, who helmed the first film. Kurt Wimmer is back to write the screenplay, keeping the story’s gritty edge. Statham’s producing through his Punch Palace Productions, joined by Chris Long of Long Shot Productions and Wimmer.
The original The Beekeeper, released January 12, 2024, followed Adam Clay, a retired operative of the covert “Beekeepers” group, who unleashes hell after his landlady, Eloise Parker, falls victim to a scam and takes her own life. The film’s mix of brutal action, Statham’s stoic charm, and cheeky bee puns (“protect the hive!”) resonated, earning $162.6 million worldwide on a $40 million budget. Its massive streaming success on Prime Video, where it became a top action title, paved the way for the sequel. Plot details for The Beekeeper 2 are hush-hush, but fans expect a deeper dive into the Beekeepers’ secretive world, possibly exploring Clay’s past or a new national threat.
Why It’s a Big Win
The Beekeeper was a surprise hit, proving Statham can carry a non-franchise action flick. Its $66.2 million domestic and $96.4 million international box office showed his pull, and Amazon MGM’s $50 million-plus deal reflects their belief in its franchise potential. The studio’s recent success with Statham and Ayer’s A Working Man, which neared $100 million, bolsters their confidence. Amazon MGM’s push for 14 theatrical releases in 2026, highlighted at CinemaCon, makes The Beekeeper 2 a key player in their slate.
Tjahjanto’s hiring is a game-changer. His action-packed resume, from Headshot to Nobody 2, promises intense, stylish sequences that could top the first film’s wild stunts—like Clay torching a scam call center. His playful approach, joking about titles like “To Bee or Not Two Bee,” suggests he’ll lean into the fun. There’s also speculation about bringing back villain Lazarus (Taylor James) despite his death, which could spice things up.
What’s Coming in the Sequel
Though the story’s under wraps, Ayer’s 2024 comments to entertainment outlets hinted at a sequel delving into the Beekeepers’ shadowy operations. The first film established them as an elite, off-the-grid group safeguarding the “hive” (the U.S.) with lethal precision. The Beekeeper 2 might explore Clay’s origins or introduce new Beekeepers, especially after the group stayed neutral in the first film’s climax. Statham’s the only confirmed cast member, but fans are hopeful for Emmy Raver-Lampman’s return as FBI agent Verona Parker, who let Clay slip away.
Filming’s moving to Los Angeles from the U.K., which could mean urban action in L.A.’s gritty streets. With a bigger budget than the first film’s $34 million, expect flashier stunts and more bee puns. Producers are aiming for a theatrical release, likely in mid-2026, mirroring the first film’s quick September-to-January turnaround. Amazon MGM’s theater-first strategy ensures Clay’s next rampage hits big screens in style.
Why Fans Are Excited
The sequel announcement has fans pumped, with chatter praising Statham’s return and Tjahjanto’s fresh take. The first film’s 71% Rotten Tomatoes score and glowing reviews for its “bonkers” energy set a high bar, and The Beekeeper 2 looks ready to deliver. Miramax’s pivot to deals like this shows their trust in Statham’s draw, and the film could kickstart a full-blown franchise, especially with Ayer potentially producing future entries.
Why I’m Hyped
The Beekeeper was my kind of guilty pleasure—Statham wiping out bad guys with bee metaphors was pure gold. Tjahjanto’s raw, kinetic style feels like a perfect match to up the ante, and I’m itching to learn more about the Beekeepers’ world. Will Clay take on a new scam empire or a rogue agent? The L.A. backdrop has me dreaming of a bee-swarmed showdown in a high-rise. Statham’s still got that unshakable cool, and I’m ready for every fistfight and one-liner he throws.
When to Catch It
The Beekeeper 2 starts filming this fall, with a theatrical release likely in mid-2026. No trailer yet, but expect a teaser by spring 2026. Rewatch The Beekeeper on Prime Video or grab the Blu-ray to get in the mood. Stay tuned to Amazon MGM’s updates for casting or plot hints. Are you stoked for Statham’s comeback, or got a guess about Clay’s next target? I’m picturing a bee-infused helicopter chase—let me know your vibe!
Source: Deadline
