Jeremy Irons will return for The Beekeeper 2 alongside Jason Statham. The Oscar-winning actor is confirmed to reprise his role as Wallace Westwyld. This news was officially reported by Deadline in early September 2025. Wallace Westwyld is a former CIA director who worked as head of security for Danforth Enterprises in the first film. His return suggests his character has more story to tell in the sequel. The Beekeeper was a major box office success in 2024, earning over 160 million dollars worldwide. The sequel will start filming in the fall of 2025.
Jeremy Irons Returns as Wallace Westwyld
Jeremy Irons is set to return as Wallace Westwyld in The Beekeeper 2. His character is a former CIA director with knowledge of the secretive Beekeepers organization. Wallace Westwyld was in charge of security for Danforth Enterprises in the original movie. Danforth Enterprises was involved in a phishing scam that led to tragic events. Irons is an Academy Award-winning actor with a long career in film and television. His return is notable because he rarely reprises roles in movie sequels. He has done so only a few times, such as playing Alfred in DC films and voicing Scar in Disney projects. His involvement hints at a deeper exploration of the Beekeepers’ lore in the upcoming film.
“Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons is coming back for Miramax and Amazon MGM Studios’ Jason Statham action movie The Beekeeper 2.”
Production Details for The Beekeeper 2
The Beekeeper 2 is being directed by Timo Tjahjanto, known for his work on The Night Comes for Us and Nobody 2. He takes over from David Ayer, who directed the first film but could not return due to scheduling conflicts. The script is written by Kurt Wimmer, who also wrote the original movie. Filming is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025. The movie is produced by Miramax and will be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios. Jason Statham is also a producer through his Punch Palace Productions. The production team includes experienced executives like Jonathan Glickman and Spencer Ela. The first film was made on a budget of about 40 million dollars and was very profitable.
What This Means for the Sequel’s Story
Jeremy Irons returning as Wallace Westwyld suggests the sequel will explore the Beekeepers’ backstory. Wallace is one of the few characters who knows about this secret organization. This could mean the movie will show more about its history and how it works. The first film introduced the Beekeepers as a group above the law that protects the country. Adam Clay, played by Jason Statham, was a retired member who sought revenge. With Wallace back, the story might involve uncovering more secrets or new threats. Some fans thought the villain Lazarus might return, but Irons’ casting suggests a different direction. The director has hinted online that Lazarus could come back despite seeming to die in the first movie.
“IMO Lazarus was a pretty damn interesting villain, hes an asshole but not quite Evil, just … a very keen Handicapped Mercenary with some choice aesthetics.”
Box Office Success of the First Film
The Beekeeper was a surprise hit when it was released in January 2024. It earned 162.6 million dollars at the global box office. The film had a budget of only 40 million dollars, making it very profitable. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences. The movie has a 92% Verified Hot rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This success made a sequel highly likely. Jason Statham’s performance was praised for combining emotion with action. The story focused on online scams and corruption, which resonated with viewers. The blend of revenge and action helped it find a wide audience.
Jason Statham’s Role and Other Cast Members
Jason Statham returns as Adam Clay, a retired operative of the Beekeepers. In the first film, he seeks revenge after his friend is victimized by a phishing scam. His character is skilled in combat and determined to bring justice. It is not yet confirmed if other co-stars will return. Emmy Raver-Lampman played FBI Agent Verona Parker, who might come back. Josh Hutcherson played the villain Derek Danforth, who died in the first movie. New characters are expected to be introduced in the sequel. The focus on the Beekeepers’ organization allows for many story possibilities.
Director Timo Tjahjanto’s Vision
Timo Tjahjanto is the new director for The Beekeeper 2. He is known for his intense action films like The Night Comes for Us. His style often includes brutal and well-choreographed fight scenes. This makes him a good fit for the Beekeeper series. He recently directed Nobody 2, which was his English-language debut. Fans expect him to bring a fresh and energetic approach to the sequel. He has already shown interest in the character Lazarus online, suggesting he might include him in the story. His involvement has generated excitement among action movie fans.
Possible Plot Directions for the Sequel
The plot of The Beekeeper 2 is still under wraps. It might explore Adam Clay’s past with the Beekeepers. It could also show the organization reacting to his actions in the first film. Wallace Westwyld’s return might mean a conspiracy within the government or the CIA. The president’s son was killed in the first movie, so there could be revenge against Adam. Alternatively, the story might introduce a new threat that requires Adam’s skills. The director has mentioned expanding the Beekeepers’ universe, similar to John Wick. This could mean more world-building and mythology.
Jeremy Irons’ Career and Recent Work
Jeremy Irons has had a long and successful career in acting. He won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1991 for Reversal of Fortune. He has also won Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. Recently, he has appeared in many films and TV shows. He will be in the fourth season of The Morning Show on Apple TV+. He has also worked on films like Palestine 36 and Cage Bird. His return to The Beekeeper 2 adds prestige to the project. Despite some recent films not being critical successes, The Beekeeper was one of his better-received projects.
Fan Expectations and Reactions
Fans of the first film are excited about the sequel. Many are happy to hear about Jeremy Irons returning. Some are surprised because his character seemed to have a completed arc. Others are curious about how Lazarus might return despite his apparent death. Action fans hope to see more brutal fight scenes and stunts. There is also hope that the sequel will explain more about the Beekeepers. The first film left many questions about this organization. The director’s comments online have sparked discussions about what the sequel might include.
The Beekeeper 2 does not have a release date yet. It is expected to start filming in the fall of 2025. Based on typical production schedules, it might be released in 2026. Jason Statham has other projects, like Mutiny, coming out in 2026. The sequel will likely be a big release for Amazon MGM Studios. The studio is confident after the first film’s success. More casting news is expected in the coming months. The return of Jeremy Irons is the first major confirmation for the sequel.
Also Read: 11 Must-Watch Jason Statham Movies for Action Lovers
Credits: MovieWeb
