Jason Statham’s introduction to the world as a bona fide action star came in 2002 when he portrayed Frank Martin, the enigmatic driver and action hero in The Transporter. While his career boasts an array of impressive films, one franchise that stands out in his filmography is the iconic Transporter series.

Jason Statham

However, after playing the most badass courier in existence for three Transporter movies, Statham decided to pass on The Transporter 4. And he has a practical reason behind it.

ason Statham Explains Why He Left Successful Transporter Franchises

Jason Statham was approached to take part in The Transporter: Refueled. But he already decided to pass on reprising the role and cut ties with the $315 million franchise.

“You know what? It was obviously a great experience doing those films, and I would have loved to keep doing it. But they wanted me to sign on and do three more films without even seeing a script, and they offered me less money to do three than I’d get paid for one!” Statham told Vulture in an interview.

Statham wanted Deckard Shaw to me a way cooler villain

“So it was a business decision. I would have loved to have done it, but you can’t really sign on without doing a script, and to sign on for three of them? And to get paid a pittance? I just couldn’t see the value in that.”

After he refused to go for the reprise as Frank Martin, Ed Skrein took over the driving seat in The Transporter Refueled in 2015.