Stephen King Praises Jason Statham's Latest Box Office Bomb

The acclaimed author offers a positive review of the action thriller "Shelter" despite its poor commercial performance.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Despite Jason Statham's recent box office successes, his latest film "Shelter" has been a major disappointment, earning just $42.1 million globally against a $50 million budget. However, the movie has found an unlikely fan in Stephen King, who took to social media to praise the film as "terrific" and "the perfect antidote to Trump's foolishness." While King's endorsement likely won't impact the movie's commercial legacy, it has at least earned the film some positive attention.

Why it matters

Statham is known for anchoring successful action movies, so the poor performance of "Shelter" is noteworthy. King's praise for the film, despite its box office struggles, highlights how even acclaimed works can sometimes fail to connect with mainstream audiences. This story also touches on the broader trend of renowned authors using social media to share their thoughts on new films, books, and other media.

The details

Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, "Shelter" stars Statham as a government assassin who tries to leave his violent past behind and live in solitude on a Scottish island. However, his former handler sends killers to track him down, forcing him to go on the run. The film, which also stars Bill Nighy, Naomi Ackie, and newcomer Bodhi Rae Breathnach, was produced on a $50 million budget but only grossed $42.1 million worldwide, making it a significant box office disappointment.

  • "Shelter" was released in theaters on January 30, 2026.
  • The film's theatrical run faded through February 2026.

The players

Jason Statham

An English actor known for starring in successful action movies such as the "Meg" and "Transporter" franchises.

Stephen King

One of the most acclaimed and best-selling authors of all time, known for his prolific output of horror, suspense, and fantasy novels.

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What they’re saying

“SHELTER: The new Jason Statham movie is terrific. The perfect antidote to Trump's foolishness.”

— Stephen King (Bluesky)

The takeaway

While "Shelter" may have been a box office disappointment, Stephen King's positive review highlights how even acclaimed artists can sometimes struggle to connect with mainstream audiences. This story serves as a reminder that critical and commercial success don't always go hand-in-hand in the entertainment industry.