EXPENDABLES 3 Wants Some Of That FAST & FURIOUS Cash, Aiming For PG-13 Rating

The shtick of Expendables franchise is that they resurrect older or fading action stars, placing them into this ultra-violent world of mercenaries, which is an homage to action films of the 80's. It's been successful for them, but apparently not as much as they think it could be.

Deadline reports Sly Stallone made statements at Cannes about changing the direction of the franchise, by getting a PG-13 rating. I'm sure there is a collective groan coming from their fanbase, as this is obviously a cash-grab. Instead of allowing the franchise to be exposed to the next generation of action genre audiences. I assume he means the generation that has made Fast And Furious one the biggest action franchises.

“We want to reach as many people as possible. It’s very close to an R, believe me, it’s right there. But I think we owe it to the next generation. We thought we’d join that club for a while.” 

While I understand the business angle, trying to get more asses in seats and recouping the increased budget. It seems like a slap in the face to the fans who have supported the R-rated franchise. Another reason for this move might be to convince potential additions to the cast such as Jackie Chan. Even though, Stallone had made comments that this movie would outdo The Raid, it's starting to sound like this franchise might have the wind taken out of it with this move.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Kelsey Grammer Joins EXPENDABLES 3 Taking A Role Ment For Nicolas Cage, Plus Terry Crews Tweets New Set Photo

Deadline reports that notorious bad boy Kelsey Grammer (X-Men: The Last Stand, Boss, Transformers: Age of Extinction) has been tapped to join the cast of The Expendables 3. His role of ex-mercenary Bonaparte was originally offered to Nicolas Cage who apparently turned it down. I assume if Cage was to join the franchise he'd want a bigger part in it. The rest of the new additions include Harrison Ford, Milla Jovovich, Wesley Snipes and Jackie Chan. Also, actor Terry Crews posted a photo of himself with other cast members on the set. Bruce Willis was expected to return but payment issues caused the actor to leave the production.

Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson And Antonio Banderas Confirmed For EXPENDABLES 3, Bruce Willis Exits

EW confirms that Mel Gibson will indeed play the villain of Expendables 3 with Stallone's Assassins co-star Antonio Banderas. The two will be next seen together in Machete Kills. It was also revealed earlier this week that Harrison Ford has joined the cast while Bruce Willis has exited the film. The rest of the new cast includes Wesley Snipes, Jackie Chan and Milla Jovovich.

Mel Gibson To Play Villain In EXPENDABLES 3?

Showbiz411 is reporting that a source confirms to them that Mel Gibson will have a role in Expendables 3. The Aussie actor turned director actually had been put out as a directorial contender by Sly Stallone via Twitter earlier in the year. However, fellow Australian director Patrick Hughes (Red Hill) ended up landing the gig. Gibson's role is being linked as one of the villains of the third installment. They also state that Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger will also be reprising their roles as well.

Mel recently took on the main baddie part in Robert Rodriguez's Machete Kills and was wanted for another villainous part in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (which likely didn't workout). I personally really enjoyed Mel's last action outing, so I'm sort of excited to see him getting back to his action roots ala Mad Max and Lethal Weapon. The rest of the new additions might include Wesley Snipes, Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cage and Milla Jovovich.

Milla Jovovich In Talks To Join Patrick Hughes' EXPENDABLES 3 Coming August 2014

Finally, it sounds like we have confirmation of sorts that Stallone is actually pursuing a female action star for a lead role in Expendables 3. Milla Jovovich is in advanced talks to join the boys club and likely adding to the body count. She's best known for C-Level action flicks along with the successful "I can't believe it's still around" Resident Evil franchise. Originally, Sly had thrown Gina Carano's name but her demand might be a little too high this time around. The talks also include Wesley Snipes, Jackie Chan and possibly Nicolas Cage taking roles as well.

It's expected Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren and Arnold Schwarzenegger will return as well. Aussie newcomer Patrick Hughes (Red Hill) has been chosen to direct the third installment. The studio has set the release date for August 15th 2014. John Woo (MI2, The Killer, Hard Boiled, Face/Off) and Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Passion of The Christ) had been names previously linked for the director's chair.

Wesley Snipes Confirmed For EXPENDABLES 3 Joining Fellow Newbie Jackie Chan, While A Director Hasn't Been Locked Down

AICN reports and Sly confirms that Wesley Snipes (Blade, Demolition Man, Money Train) has joined the new lineup of Expendables 3. Jackie Chan also joined the cast a while back but a director hasn't been announced yet. Stallone recently teased that he was considering Mel Gibson (Braveheart) while previously John Woo (MI2, Hard Boiled, The Killer, Face/Off) had been linked as well. No word if Sly is still pursuing other actors such as Nicolas Cage, John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver and Gina Carano.

John Woo Directing EXPENDABLES 3?

It had been rumored that legendary Hong Kong action director John Woo (MI2, Face-Off, The Killer, Hard Boiled, Red Cliff) could be in the mix for directing Expendables 3. Woo commented on the rumor to ExpendablesPremiere  (via LatinoReview) and gives the impression he's willing to direct (or is already doing it?) if he's given the creative control he is with his Chinese productions. Having Woo direct is giant step-up from Simon West helming the last installment. This move would likely help producers wrangle Nicolas Cage and John Travolta who had been wanted for the second film. A Face-Off reunion could be something unexpected and a way to to get Cage interested previously working with Woo on two films. Not to mention John wanting the film to be set in China is following a recent Hollywood trend of setting blockbusters (Transformers 4, Iron Man 3, Skyfall) in the country. Jackie Chan has already confirmed his involvement which could give way to a Chinese-set Expendables 3.


"(Laughs) I read that. I am a big fan of all those guys and I will do it but I want less studio and producer interference. I want to shoot the movie the way I want. That’s the difference making a movie in China and Hollywood. In China, The Studio and producer allow flexibility to the director. One thing for sure is, I want it to take place in China. I also have a vision of this big fight between Jet Li and Van Damme but then they have killed him off."

Jackie Chan Confirms Involvement With EXPENDABLES 3?

Jackie Chan currently promoting a new film confirmed talks with Sly Stallone for Expendables 3. It has been rumored that Nicolas Cage could be joining as well. He's also trying to get female cast members such as Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and Gina Carano.

"Sly had invited me to be in "Expendables 2" but I was too busy filming "CZ12" and couldn't make a commitment to the film. But he did extend his invitation to the third movie, which I agreed on the condition that I will be appearing as more than just a minor role with a few scenes,"