There are four Transporter theatrical films starring Jason Statham, and one reboot film with Ed Skrein in the lead role. In addition to these films, there is also a Transporter television series starring Chris Vance.
The Core Four: Jason Statham’s Reign
Frank Martin, the protagonist of the original Transporter quadrilogy (if we can call four films a quadrilogy), is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. Jason Statham’s portrayal of the professional “transporter” adhering to strict rules made the franchise a hit. Each film builds upon the foundation laid by the first, exploring Frank’s moral code, combat prowess, and his willingness to bend his own rules when necessary.
The Transporter (2002): Laying the Groundwork
The film that started it all. We are introduced to Frank Martin, a highly skilled driver who operates by a strict set of rules. When he breaks one of his rules, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game involving human trafficking. The film’s success stemmed from its high-octane action sequences, Statham’s charisma, and the intriguing premise.
Transporter 2 (2005): Expanding the Scope
This sequel takes Frank from France to Miami, where he acts as a chauffeur for a government official’s young son. When the boy is kidnapped, Frank must use all his skills to rescue him and uncover a larger conspiracy involving a deadly virus. Transporter 2 ramps up the action and introduces a more personal element to Frank’s motivations.
Transporter 3 (2008): A Personal Stake
In Transporter 3, Frank is forced to transport Valentina, the kidnapped daughter of a Ukrainian government official, while wearing an explosive bracelet that will detonate if he strays too far from his car. This installment emphasizes the emotional toll Frank’s profession takes on him and tests his limits like never before.
Transporter Refueled (2015): Rebooting the Franchise
This film attempts to reboot the franchise with Ed Skrein taking over the role of Frank Martin. While it aims to capture the essence of the original films with fast cars and intricate fight choreography, it struggled to resonate with audiences in the same way as the Statham-led films. This is technically the fifth film if the Ed Skrein movie is included.
The Television Series: A New Dimension
Beyond the big screen, Transporter: The Series offers a deeper dive into Frank Martin’s world. While it wasn’t as widely embraced as the movies, it provided an extended look at the challenges and ethical dilemmas Frank faces in his line of work. Chris Vance took on the role of Frank Martin.
Why the Series Didn’t Take Off
Several factors contributed to the television series’ less than stellar reception. Compared to the big-budget action of the films, the series’ production value felt somewhat diminished. Furthermore, the absence of Statham’s iconic portrayal of Frank Martin proved to be a significant hurdle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Transporter Franchise
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Transporter franchise, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of these action-packed films and their place in cinematic history.
FAQ 1: Are the Transporter movies connected?
Yes, the first three Transporter movies starring Jason Statham are directly connected, forming a clear narrative arc. Transporter Refueled attempts to reboot the series with a new actor and a slightly different backstory, essentially existing in a separate continuity.
FAQ 2: Which Transporter movie is considered the best?
While subjective, many fans consider the original The Transporter (2002) to be the best. It introduced the character of Frank Martin and established the franchise’s signature blend of action, style, and wit.
FAQ 3: Why was Jason Statham not in Transporter Refueled?
Reports suggest that Jason Statham declined to participate in further Transporter films due to disagreements over the direction of the franchise and payment negotiations.
FAQ 4: Will there be a Transporter 6 with Jason Statham?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a sixth Transporter film featuring Jason Statham. While fans often express interest, there has been no official announcement from the studio.
FAQ 5: Where can I watch the Transporter movies online?
The Transporter movies are available for streaming and purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region.
FAQ 6: Are the Transporter movies based on a book or comic book?
No, the Transporter movies are original creations, not based on any pre-existing source material like a book or comic book series.
FAQ 7: Who directed the Transporter movies?
The first Transporter was directed by Corey Yuen and Louis Leterrier. Transporter 2 was directed by Louis Leterrier. Transporter 3 was directed by Olivier Megaton, and Transporter Refueled was directed by Camille Delamarre.
FAQ 8: What car does Frank Martin drive in the Transporter movies?
Frank Martin famously drives a BMW 7 Series in the first two Transporter films. In Transporter 3, he drives an Audi S8. Transporter Refueled features him driving an Audi S8 Plus.
FAQ 9: Are the stunts in the Transporter movies performed by Jason Statham?
While Jason Statham is known for performing many of his own stunts, he also relies on stunt doubles for particularly dangerous or complex sequences. The films employ a team of highly skilled stunt professionals.
FAQ 10: What are the rules of the transporter?
The “rules” are a recurring theme throughout the series, emphasizing Frank Martin’s professional code. While the exact number and wording vary, they generally revolve around never changing the deal, no names, and never opening the package.
FAQ 11: Is Transporter Refueled a prequel or a reboot?
Transporter Refueled is considered a reboot of the franchise, aiming to reimagine the Frank Martin character and his origin story with a new actor. It is not strictly a prequel, as it doesn’t directly lead into the events of the original films.
FAQ 12: Is the Transporter TV series canon with the movies?
The Transporter TV series is generally considered to exist in its own separate continuity, distinct from the film universe. While it shares the same core concept and character, it doesn’t directly connect to the events of the movies.