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.

FIRST LOOK: Arnold Schwarzenegger And Harrison Ford On The Set Of EXPENDABLES 3

FIRST LOOK: Wesley Snipes And Others On The Set Of EXPENDABLES 3, Plus Mel Gibson Looking Jacked

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.

Aussie Actor Kellan Lutz In Talks To Join EXPENDABLES 3

TheWrap reports that Aussie actor Kellan Lutz best known for his role in the Twilight Saga is apparently up for a role in The Expendables 3. Lutz would play a member of a younger team of mercenaries that buts heads with the veterans. I would assume more names will be rolled out for this younger group as the weeks go by.

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.

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.

Sly Stallone Testing Waters For Mel Gibson To Direct EXPENDABLES 3

This is a bit of a shocker since we've been hearing that John Woo could be helming Expendables 3. Today, Sly took to twitter to ask fans if he should considering having Mel Gibson direct the film. I have to admit that Braveheart is one of the greatest films of the 90's so having him direct could be a giant upgrade from Simon West. Gibson recently took a villain role in the Robert Rodriguez film Machete Kills. I'd love to see a Tequila Sunrise/Tango And Cash reunion with Mel and Kurt Russell. No word if Sly has actually gone after Gina Carano (Haywire, Fast And Furious 6) for a role which he previously had teased. Wesley Snipes has been also been linked for a role.

No , I was kiddiing about , but seriously , what about Mel Gibson directing EXPENDABLES 3?Opinions anyone ?Curious.....
— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) April 11, 2013

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,"

Stallone Hints He Wants To Cast Sigourney Weaver, Gina Carano And Michelle Rodriguez In EXPENDABLES 3

During an interview with BestMovie (via BleedingCool) Sly Stallone gave some hints to where Expendables 3 could be going. He gives the impression that they could be looking for new replacements which ends up with them training them. Basically a team made up of hotshots like Liam Hemsworth's character from the last film. The next film could even include female characters as he drops hints he would be interested in bringing in Sigourney Weaver, Gina Carano and Michelle Rodriguez. Previously, it's been mentioned Sly and producers are trying to cast Nicolas Cage (not confirmed yet!), Harrison Ford and Wesley Snipes as well.

The Expendables… they’re broken up, they’re shot, they’ve had it, they’re done. We have to hire new us, we have to find new Expendables, but there are none! They don’t make people like us anymore; they are all like robots. So I can go out and hire five young guys, but they’re the new army, they got drones and technology, but they’re not like us. Remember in Tropic Thunder? Just like those guys!

There’s another combination, and it involves girlfriends. Say I got divorced, say I am married to Sigourney Weaver, then she gets half the Expendables, she gets what I call The Expendabelles. So I need help and I have to go to her. And I’d like to have like Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano. It’ll be something like that, very different… The main thing is it can’t be about us! We’re done. We need to bring in new blood. And you bring in geeks and girls and women, people who are different.

Those are three names synonymous with ass-kicking female characters. Weaver playing the iconic Ripley and Rodriguez being the go-to-lady for action flicks such as Avatar, Resident Evil, Machete 1-2 and the Fast And Furious franchise. Carano had been a fan favorite when Stallone was casting Expendables 2 but ultimately didn't get the role. Rodriguez and Carano recently worked together on Fast And Furious 6. Weaver starred in a action heavy role alongside Bruce Willis in The Cold Light of Day. So I assume these projects have peeked Sly's interest in casting them.

We know that Carano is leading her own Expendables-like project with female members that include Zoe Bell (Death Proof, Gamer) and Katee Sackhoff (Riddick, Battlestar Galactica). Perhaps, that team could be included in Expendables 3 leading to their own franchise? I wouldn't be shocked to hear Bell and Sackhoff's names also included if that's indeed what the aim is.

Nicolas Cage Confirmed For EXPENDABLES 3, Harrison Ford And Wesley Snipes Still Wanted

Sly Stallone confirms via Facebook that Nicolas Cage will be joining the cast of The Expendables 3. Cage had been rumored even before the release of the second installment. He had been wanted for a cameo in Expendables 2 but it didn't work out. Stallone also reveals his previous intentions to snag Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes (newly freed from prison) and a returning Mickey Rourke. No word on who will be returning for the third installment.

We are preparing the film with the same passion and commitment as the previous two. We have confirmed Nicolas Cage, a master actor who gives a veneer intellectual group. Hopefully we can realize to Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes and Mickey Rourke. That is the great mission of the producer. We will continue with the same narrative scheme, the agility and the frenzy, which are inherent to the saga. What will definitely be the last? I can not guarantee. In principle it would be two deliveries, but the affection of the people encouraged us to work on a third. I guess as long as we amused ourselves by offering fun and people, we can continue playing 'The Expendables'. For now we are not as expendable as it should and as some critics want. 

CAST EM': Expendables 3

It looks like it might be too late to squeeze anymore additions to the testosterone fueled cast of Expendables 2 cast as the film is wrapping up production in New Orleans. Between the two films it's beyond stunning that Sly has been able to this amount of action stars into each of the films. Of course for Expendables 3 we'll end up getting guys like Steven Seagal, Donnie Yen and others. However, I do have have some suggestions for the third installment if it ever gets made. My rundown includes some well known faces along with some new ones.

SEAN BEAN: Patriot Games, Goldeneye, Ronin, LOTR: Fellowship of The Ring, Troy, The Island, Outlaw, Game of Thrones, Age of Heroes and 16 TV movies playing the iconic character Sharpe.

Sean Bean has been kicking around for a long time and his extensive work playing Major Sharpe in sixteen films should make him the ultimate British badass alone. He plays great villains and equally threatening heroes. I would personally like him to reprise his Irish accent from Patriot Games. 

NICOLAS CAGE: Face-Off, The Rock, 8mm, Con Air, Lord of War, Bangkok Dangerous, Bad Lieutenant, Kick-Ass, Season of The Witch, Drive Angry, Trespass and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Cage had been rumored as been given an offer to join the sequel but nothing came of it. I feel if the Expendables clubhouse is in New Orleans, Cage (who lives there) needs to at least have a cameo in future films. Nic is outrageous in pretty much everything he does and it would awesome to see him play a coked out villain.

DANNY TREJO: Marked For Death, Desperado, Heat, From Dusk Till Dawn 1-3, Anaconda, Con Air, The Replacement Killers, Reindeer Games, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, Devil's Rejects, Halloween, Machete, Predators and Sons of Anarchy.

Danny Trejo is a workhorse. He grinds out so many projects I think he forgets he's even in some of them. The gruff voiced Trejo is one of the greatest supporting actors in the genre. Danny was originally set to play the General in the first film but had to drop out. I wouldn't mind seeing him mow down a ton of  soldiers with a machine gun and machete.

DWAYNE JOHNSON: The Rundown, Scorpion King, Be Cool, Doom, Southland Tales, The Other Guys, Faster, Fast Five, Fast Six and G.I. Joe 2.

Johnson officially broke-out as an action star when headlined Scorpion King and The Rundown. In the latter film he got an approval of sorts from Schwarzenegger who cameoed in the film. That success was put on pause when started making family friendly films knocking down his credibility. He recently shook this off when he came back with roles in Faster, Fast Six and the G.I. Joe reboot. Michael Bay is pursuing him for his next film and could join Expendables 2 star Liam Hemsworth in a heist project. Dwayne has been vocal on Twitter about wanting to join the franchise.

KARL URBAN: Hercules, Xena, LOTR: Two Towers/Return of The King, Chronicles of Riddick, Bourne Supremacy, Doom, Pathfinder, Star Trek 1-2, Red 1-2, Dredd and Riddick III: Dead Man Stalking.

The Kiwi actor has been invading American screens since his early career on the adventure series Hercules and Xena. Karl would later have a string of solid efforts that would lead him to co-star with Expendable Bruce Willis in Red. He seems happy to jump on any action project that will give him exposure.

JASON MOMA: Stargate: Atlantis, Game of Thrones, Conan The Barbarian and Bullet To The Head.

Jason Moma had been a fan favorite of the Stargate franchise. That show led him landing roles as the new Conan (usurping Schwarzenegger) and getting a rather large part in Game of Thrones. He recently starred alongside Stallone in the comic book film Bullet To The Head, playing the film's villain.

GINA CARANO: Haywire.

Gina Carano is an MMA fighter turned actress who stars in Steven Soderbergh's spy thriller Haywire. While I haven't seen it to judge her acting abilities but from the clips and trailers she looks more convincing than any other actress before her. When you watch her handle weapons and kick-ass it looks like second nature to Gina. Instead of someone like Angelina Jolie who looks more delicate than a crystal vase and is unrealistic she'd ever throw a punch.