The Transporter film series follows Frank Martin, a skilled driver bound by strict rules as he navigates dangerous missions. The first three films, starring Jason Statham, propelled him to action stardom, with impressive stunts and thrilling plots. Subsequent sequels, including Transporter 2 and 3, continued the high-octane action, while the 2015 reboot, The Transporter Refueled, struggled to match its predecessors’ success. The original film is currently available on Netflix and various rental platforms.
Overview of The Transporter Film Series
The Transporter is an exhilarating action film series that follows the adventures of Frank Martin, a skilled driver who undertakes perilous jobs while sticking to his own set of unbreakable rules. Despite his meticulous nature, Frank often finds himself in life-threatening situations. The first three films in the series played a significant role in catapulting Jason Statham to action star status.
Jason Statham once again demonstrated his prowess in action roles with his latest film, ‘The Beekeeper’. However, he originally showcased his talents in the iconic ‘Transporter’ series. **Don’t miss the airing of the first installment, ‘The Transporter’ on Kabel Eins during prime time tonight!**
What to Expect in ‘The Transporter’
‘The Transporter’ introduces us to Frank Martin (Jason Statham), a seasoned courier driver and former elite soldier who adheres to three essential rules in his line of work: 1. No changes to the contract, 2. No names exchanged, and 3. The cargo must remain unopened. However, his routine is shattered when he accepts a mysterious job that leads him into a web of danger.
In a shocking twist, Frank learns that his latest delivery is a young woman, plunging him into a treacherous conspiracy. He soon finds himself on the run from ruthless criminals, featuring hair-raising chases and breathtaking action sequences!
With a production budget of approximately 20 million dollars, the film successfully grossed around 43.9 million dollars globally.
The Sequels and Their Impact
The sequel, **’Transporter 2’**, hit theaters in 2005, once again produced by Luc Besson. This chapter sees Frank in Miami, where he works as a chauffeur for a wealthy family. When their son is kidnapped, Frank springs into action to rescue him. This sequel packs even more jaw-dropping action scenes and daring stunts. Jason Statham reprises his role, joined by newcomers Alessandro Gassmann and Amber Valletta. With a budget of 32 million dollars, the film earned approximately 85 million dollars worldwide.
In 2008, the series continued with ‘Transporter 3’, where Frank faces a particularly perilous undertaking. Tasked with transporting the daughter of a Ukrainian minister from Marseille to Odessa, he must navigate the mission with an explosive device strapped to his wrist. Directed by Olivier Megaton, this installment also features spectacular action. Natalya Rudakova stars alongside Statham. The film boasted a budget of 30 million dollars and grossed over 109 million dollars, making it the highest-grossing film in the series.
In 2015, the franchise was rebooted with **The Transporter Refueled**. This time, Ed Skrein (known from Game of Thrones) took over the role of Frank Martin. The narrative centers around a new job involving a gang of female criminals. Directed by Camille Delamarre, this reboot diverged in tone and style from its predecessors. Despite a budget of 22 million dollars, the film only grossed about 72 million dollars and received mixed reviews.
The first three films achieved tremendous success, particularly ‘Transporter 3’, which surpassed the 100 million dollar mark at the box office. These films solidified Jason Statham’s reputation as a leading action star, with critics lauding the impressive stunts and fight choreography. Unfortunately, the reboot starring Ed Skrein did not replicate the acclaim or success of the original trilogy.
Where to Watch ‘The Transporter’
Currently, you can catch the action-packed thriller ‘The Transporter’ exclusively on Netflix with a subscription. Alternatively, it is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play.