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The very volatile fans of Jason Statham are showing their wildest sides as the coming of a new film of the actor brings in the hype. The actor took it to the net and told the world that the trailer for his upcoming movie ‘Shelter’ was already done, and that the film, which is scheduled to premiere on January 30, is going to be the next big one. Although the plain post only mentioned the movie’s official social media profiles, it was quickly washed over by a flood of witty remarks, with the followers starting to share hilarious, imaginary ‘Statham-isms’ creations lingering in.
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The choice of the web seems to favor Statham not only as an action hero but also as a fountain of unutterable wisdom. The original post of the actor turned into a place for an international improv comedy show with people from all around the world who were trying to come up with the craziest fake quote attributed to the bald, quiet star. The whole affair seemed less like a comment section and more like a drawing board for a flock of writers whose inspirations came from a very specific, very muscular muse.
The instant his post got flooded, the wave of the trend broke, and it was just too much. A meta-comment by one user, who noticed the link between the new and the old films, set the mood: “A new movie is like an old one, but only new. (c) Jason Statham.” Another user relayed a very distinct and Statham-like tale: “Live with your head. Think with your heart. Eat with your mouth. Walk with your feet. Jason Statham (c).” The quotes rapidly transformed into pure, transparent gibberish and became the veritable magnet.
Winter clothing philosophical musings were amongst the most frequent. “When it’s hot as hell – that’s Russian kholodets. (c) Jason Statham,” someone said, making a reference to the typical meat jelly. “It’s winter outside, don’t forget to wear your thermal underwear. (c) Jason Statham,” was one of the contributions that were even more… specific. One particularly graphic piece of advice went like, “It is better to fart like a bear than to hiss like a goose your entire life. (c) Jason Statham.”
Now and then, fans even went to the extreme and made the one-liners to be parables. “A student without notes is like a ninja without a katana. He runs beautifully, but, alas, dies quickly. (c) Jason Statham,” was one comment. Another tried to argue with, “Not every anyone, if that one is not this one! Jason Statham (c).” The fan loyalty to the bit was absolute; every fictitious quote was mechanically signed “(c) Jason Statham” as if they were excerpts from a lost collection of scriptures.
Of course, beneath the layers of jokes, there were some sincere expressions of excitement. “Action star of my favorite is Jason Statham,” a user wrote. “I am so looking forward to the movie!” Another one just commented, “Bro is always working,” as he praised the actor’s continuous output. Nonetheless, such sincere notes were only a few among the ocean of glorious, intentional stupidity.
The whole scenario is a crystal clear sign of a different kind of fan engagement. It is not only about the movie’s upcoming release but also about the star’s public persona that gets mythologized as a community together. The running gag takes Statham’s tough guy image the other way around, treating it as a blank canvas for funny ideas, thus, by playfully mocking the very archetype he represents, celebrating him. It is a very close and tender way of spending affection, even by the means of total ridiculousness.
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Thus, even if ‘Shelter’ will display more of the action that is both high-octane and gritty, which is Statham’s signature, the real show remains in the comments section. A movie was declared by Jason Statham, and his fans answered by building an enormous monument to meme culture in his name. The trailer drops tomorrow, but the stand-up show is already in full effect.