British actor Jason Statham is stepping in to replace Daniel Craig in a sequel to hit 2004 film Layer Cake.

The Transporter star and his manager Steve Chasman will produce Viva La Madness together after acquiring the rights to the J.J. Connolly novel, according to Deadline.com.

Statham will also take on the role of the unnamed protagonist, which will see him becoming embroiled in drug dealings, money laundering and fraud, while trying to prepare for retirement.

Craig's performance in the original crime thriller helped to land him the role as James Bond in Casino Royale. Director Martin Campbell previously admitted he had narrowed it down to Craig or Henry Cavill - but the "terrific charm" the blond actor displayed in Layer Cake ultimate won him to iconic 007 role, taking over from Pierce Brosnan.