‘A Working Man’ stars talk about human trafficking and how Latinos care for each other

In Jason Statham’s latest movie, “A Working Man”, he plays as Levon Cade, a former British Royal Marine Commander who leaves it all behind to begin a second life and work in construction in order to care for his daughter. 

Directed and written by David Ayer (“End of Watch,” “Fury,” “Suicide Squad,” “The Beekeeper”) and co-written by Sylvester Stallone. Statham and Ayer return to work together again, following their initial successful film “The Beekeeper,” released in 2024. Following the success and establishing a partnership, they were excited to adapt Chuck Dixon’s “Levon’s Trade,” published in 2014 as the first installment in the 12-book series.

Living up to the name of the movie, Statham shows some of the smaller details of what it is like working in a blue-collar job, including trying to catch up on a couple minutes of sleep before starting the day at the construction site or brushing his teeth using a thermal mug.

When Cade’s employer’s daughter and family friend, Jenny Garcia, is kidnapped as part of a human trafficking operation, Cade must use skills from his former life to help bring her back home. In the film, we follow Cade infiltrating the Chicago criminal underworld, the Russian mob and criminal enterprises in order to rescue Jenny. 

The movie quickly establishes the very close relationship between Cade and the Garcia family, who own a Latino-owned construction company based in Chicago. The relationship shared between both Cade and Jenny is comparable to being siblings. Played by Arianna Rivas, she captures how Jenny usually sees Cade as more of a soft teddy bear, compared to this “tough guy” act that he puts on. It demonstrates that no matter what happens, they will always have each other's back.

Despite Cade not being blood related to the Garcia family, the audience can see how much love the Garcia’s have for him. A couple of times Cade was offered food, like chicken tinga, a traditional shredded pieces chicken dish, with the Garcia’s insisting he take the food.

Noemi Gonzalez, who plays Jenny’s mother Carla Garcia, told CALÓ News that it's the epitome of Latino culture. Gonzalez recalled talking to Ayer during filming about having Statham rip up the tortillas to help show the audience that this is not Cade’s first plate from the Garcia family.

“You're gonna end up with a take-away food item and with some of our love being extended when you're home and you're on your own, you're never alone, you got family,” said Gonzalez

Gonzalez confirmed that not only was the chicken tinga authentic in the movie, but other authentic foods like tamales were served around the family table. Pozole, a rich red chili broth soup, was also considered to be in the line-up of traditional food, but she made the point that it’s only for celebratory moments.

This movie is the personification of a common phrase Latino parents say to their kids, “Nunca sabes lo que puede pasar,” which means, “You never know what could happen.” This is another way for Latino parents to remind their kids to stay aware of their surroundings and to be safe when they go out. 

“A Working Man” delves into the on-going problem of human trafficking, when Jenny is abducted while she was out celebrating with friends. The film captures not only how abduction involving trafficking could occur, but shows the other side of how it impacts the victim’s family and loved ones.

In 2021, over 27 million people were victims of human trafficking, including 77% through forced labor and 23% through commercial sexual exploitation, according to the International Labour Organization.

In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 30,000 signals, such as calls, texts or tips; with over 7,000 signals received from victims or survivors of human trafficking, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.  

When preparing to take on these roles, both Gonzalez and Rivas told CALÓ News they each watched documentaries that relate to human trafficking. Gonzalez pointed out that unlike the movies, sometimes families don’t get to experience a happy ending.

With how prevalent this on-going issue is, especially in Latin America, Gonzalez told CALÓ News that she felt honored that this story is being told through a Latino family. Rivas shared the same sentiment with Gonzalez of feeling proud to tell this story and being able to start conversations about it.

“It's a story to remind us to stay vigilant and it's great to represent that through a Latin family and to bring the fighter spirit,” said Rivas

People can reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or can submit a tip online about potential cases. The Hotline is available for 24 hours a day, seven days a week and available in more than 200 languages.