Photo Credit: Getty Images
Production is officially underway in London on Guy Ritchie’s upcoming action thriller Viva La Madness, and a major ensemble cast has now been confirmed to join previously announced lead Jason Statham. The film is backed by Black Bear and brings together a mix of long time Ritchie collaborators and new faces, adding to anticipation around the project.
Confirmed cast members include Vinnie Jones, Jason Isaacs, Babs Olusanmokun, Camila Mendes, Ben Foster, Jonny Lee Miller, and global music star Raúl Alejandro, who is making his feature film acting debut. The lineup reflects Ritchie’s signature approach of blending familiar collaborators with unexpected choices. Several of the actors have worked with the director before, reinforcing a creative shorthand that has defined much of his career.
Viva La Madness is based on the novel of the same name by JJ Connolly, who co wrote the screenplay alongside Ritchie. While plot details remain tightly guarded, the project has already drawn attention due to its literary roots. The novel serves as a sequel to Connolly’s debut book Layer Cake. However, the film adaptation is being described as a stand alone original story and not a continuation of the earlier film adaptation released in 2004, which was directed by Matthew Vaughn.
The project marks Vinnie Jones’ fifth collaboration with Ritchie. Their previous work together includes Snatch, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Mean Machine, which also starred Statham, and the Netflix series The Gentlemen. Babs Olusanmokun reunites with Ritchie following his role in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, while Jonny Lee Miller previously appeared in The Covenant. These returning collaborations suggest a continuation of the gritty tone and character driven style that audiences associate with Ritchie’s films.
Viva La Madness was developed by Jason Statham through Punch Palace Productions and by Thomas Benski for Lumina Studios. They are producing alongside Ritchie and Ivan Atkinson for Toff Guy Films, as well as John Friedberg for Black Bear. Black Bear will handle domestic distribution, with Amazon MGM Studios distributing the film across most international territories.
Raúl Alejandro’s involvement adds a notable crossover element to the cast. The Puerto Rican artist is a five time Grammy nominee and a two time Latin Grammy Award winner, known globally for his music career. While he is currently focusing on acting, Alejandro is continuing to work on new music, with plans already in place for releases in 2026.
Viva La Madness continues Black Bear’s ongoing collaboration with both Ritchie and Statham. The company’s upcoming slate includes several high profile releases, such as In The Grey, directed by Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, and Eiza González, as well as Guy Ritchie’s Wife and Dog, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins.
With production now in motion and a high caliber cast assembled, Viva La Madness is shaping up to be another major entry in Guy Ritchie’s filmography, combining crime thriller sensibilities with a seasoned ensemble and strong production backing.
