Jason Statham shines in the hilarious 2015 spy comedy, Spy. [Image Source: BELFASTTELEGRAPH]
Rose Byrne is eager for more viewers to appreciate the 2015 Jason Statham spy comedy, Spy, which she describes as a standout in her career. Speaking at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, Byrne highlighted the film’s unique charm and enduring appeal as the reason fans should rediscover it.
Why Rose Byrne Praises Spy as a Comedy Treasure
During an interview with Magic Radio, Byrne quickly identified Spy as a hidden favorite among her projects. She expressed enthusiasm for the film’s humor and cast, saying,
“Oh yeah, Spy. Yeah, it’s a fantastic comedy directed by Paul Feig. With Jason [Statham], Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, and myself. It is so funny,”
Rose Byrne said.
Byrne added,
“And people discover it more and more, and they’re like, ‘This movie?!’ And I’m like, ‘I know.’ Melissa is so funny. Statham is so funny. It’s just a joy.”
Spy, released by 20th Century Fox in June 2015, follows Melissa McCarthy’s character, Susan Cooper, an unconventional secret agent tracking down a stolen portable nuclear weapon. Rose Byrne plays Rayna Boyanov, an arms dealer’s daughter, while Jason Statham and Jude Law star as spies Rick Ford and Bradley Fine. The film earned over $235 million globally and achieved a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, confirming its status as a critically acclaimed comedy.
Byrne’s Hope for a Spy Sequel Moves Beyond Wishful Thinking
Byrne’s admiration for Spy is longstanding, and at the BAFTAs, she reiterated her desire for a sequel to revive the story. She told ET in October,
“Let’s get it started, I agree. I think there was supposed to be one in the works, but it never eventuated.”
She emphasized the film’s growing fanbase, remarking,
“I love that film. It’s been rediscovered more and more. People have come up to me and gone, ‘I really love that movie.’ It’s an absolute, like, treasure. It’s such a fun watch.”
Paul Feig, who wrote and directed Spy, revealed plans for a sequel shortly after the film’s release, confirming that Jason Statham’s character Rick Ford would return. However, Feig disclosed in 2019 that
Image of: Jason Statham
“there hasn’t been interest from the studio”
to move forward with Spy 2, despite having what he called the perfect setup for the follow-up.
Rose Byrne’s Recent Recognition at the BAFTAs
At the 2026 BAFTAs, Rose Byrne was nominated for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, where she portrayed a troubled mother. Although she did not win the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, losing to Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Byrne maintains momentum with two upcoming nominations. She is slated for Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role at the Actors Awards and Best Actress at the Academy Awards, scheduled for March 1 and March 15, respectively.
Meanwhile, Spy continues to be available on premium video on demand platforms, allowing new audiences to discover this comedic thriller featuring an ensemble cast including Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, and Jason Statham.
