Jason Statham's 2026 box office outings may have struggled, but the action star has always found a loyal audience on streaming. Now, two of his most beloved creature features are making a splash on HBO Max, just in time for some at-home thrills.
Starting November 1, subscribers can dive into The Meg (2018) and its sequel Meg 2: The Trench (2023). Both films follow Statham's Jonas Taylor, a deep-sea rescue diver who comes face-to-face with a massive prehistoric shark known as the Megalodon. The first movie sees Taylor returning to the Mariana Trench after a submersible goes missing, leading to a high-stakes rescue mission that quickly turns into a fight for survival.
The original The Meg may have earned mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial powerhouse, pulling in over $530 million worldwide on a $175 million budget. Its success paved the way for the sequel, which leaned even harder into the over-the-top, B-movie energy that made the first a fan favorite. Meg 2: The Trench introduced even bigger threats, including dinosaurs and an even larger shark, while also bringing in new cast members like Wu Jing and Page Kennedy, with Ben Wheatley taking over directing duties.
Critics were less kind to the sequel, giving it a dismal 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences clearly disagreed, awarding it a 72% audience score. The film's self-aware, monster-mash approach resonated with viewers who just wanted to see Statham battle giant creatures in the most entertaining way possible. It went on to earn $398 million worldwide, proving that the franchise still had plenty of bite.
With a combined global gross of nearly $930 million, fans are naturally wondering if a third Meg movie is on the horizon. While no official announcement has been made, director Ben Wheatley has expressed interest in returning, jokingly suggesting that the next shark could grow legs and terrorize people on land. Until then, Statham has a packed schedule, including the highly anticipated The Beekeeper 2, set for release in January 2027, as well as projects like Jason Statham Sole My Bike and a reunion with director Guy Ritchie on Viva La Madness. He's also rumored to appear in Fast Forever, though that hasn't been confirmed.
For those looking to catch up on Statham's other streaming hits, Gladiator II's Netflix dominance shows how action films can thrive on digital platforms. And if you're in the mood for more shark-fueled chaos, Jason Momoa's latest thriller might be worth a look.
Both The Meg and Meg 2: The Trench are now streaming on HBO Max, so grab some popcorn and get ready for a wild ride with one of Hollywood's most reliable action heroes.
