Director Camille Delamarre: ‘Transporter 4 Refueled’ a new film, not a reboot

MANILA, Philippines - “The Transporter” series have set a high bar for action and adventure, having delivered some of the most memorable action-packed sequences in the genre.

Director Camille Delamarre voices confidence that the latest installment, with its new leading man, revenge-fueled women, brutal street-fighting brawls and metal-bending chase sequences, will more than exceed the audience expectations.

“The Transporter Refueled is more than a reboot,” he says. “It’s a whole new story.”

As for the new Transporter himself, Ed Skrein takes unabashed pride in his character’s journey through the mean streets of southern France.

“Rolling around on the floor wrestling and fighting with bamboo sticks and punching other guys with pads on and fighting in front of a moving car. The only time you want to be in situations like that is when you’re on a film set,” Skrein said. “I’m a complete pacifist myself, but when it’s scripted that I get in a fight and win, it’s fantastic.”

When French filmmaker Luc Besson decided to reboot his hugely popular action franchise with a younger cast and a fresh storyline, he turned to longtime collaborator Camille Delamarre, who had just made his feature directorial debut on the dystopian thriller Brick Mansions, to helm the film.

“I had edited Transporter 3 and directed action scenes from the ‘Transporter’ television series, so I was already familiar with that world,” said Delamarre. “It’s always been a fun franchise to be involved with because there’s so much action in a colorful setting, but the new script had even more of a James Bond style than the previous ones.”

The script by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper and Luc Besson offered an entirely new take on the high-octane action series, which centers on a tough, tight-lipped, highly skilled driver-for-hire.

“Refueled is more filled out than earlier Transporter movies because we have several layers, several characters, lots of subplots and revelations that get slowly revealed throughout the film,” observes Delamarre. “We developed Frank’s character to be less of a caricature. Instead of the bodybuilding hero who never loses or takes a bad hit, Frank’s character suffers. He hurts. And he also does his fair share of attacking.”

Although it features plenty of the stunt driving, fight scenes and plot twists that have made the franchise an enduring favorite among moviegoers, the action is fueled by intriguing characters with compelling backstories.

Frank is haunted by his wartime service and has a tense relationship with his father, a retired spy. Anna, a prostitute since an early age, refuses to remain a victim of her ruthless pimp.

“Besides having a new Transporter and lots of sexy elements, Refueled gives the audience a complex story full of new developments,” explained Delamarre.
 
“Transporter 4 Refueled” drives in cinemas this September 2 from Pioneer Films.