RUMOR ALERT! RAMBO 5 Back On The Table For Stallone?

Even before Expendables 2 was set to roll, there had been chatter that Millennium Films was developing a fifth and final Rambo film with Sly Stallone. An odd plot synopsis suggested the film could include animal-human hybrids, which seemed crazy as hell. Even by previous standards set-out by a studio known for oddball action flicks. News on the fifth film stopped entirely and Sly didn't mention it during press interviews.

ComingSoon is now reporting that the project is apparently alive again, and has the title Rambo: Last Blood. This hasn't been confirmed by any of the major trades, but it's safe to say that the studio and producer Avi Lerner could be pressuring Stallone for a hit. Let's take this a rumor, until we have official word from the studio or Stallone. The two love making headlines, so if true I'm sure they'll be making announcements soon.

SOURCE: COMINGSOON

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

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.

Neil Marshall Replaces David Slade As Director Of 'THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER'

HeatVision reports that The Last Voyage of The Demeter is finally moving forward as a new director has been named. Genre director Neil Marshall has been hired but it's unknown if any of the original cast members will stay on. Previously, David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night) had been attached to helm the untold Dracula tale which focuses on the voyage to London where the crew of the Demeter are picked-off one by one. Actors such as Noomi Rapace, Jude Law and Ben Kingsley had been involved but seemingly have left the project. Marsall is best know for his cult-hits Dog Soldiers and The Descent but his recent films such as Centurion and Doomsday didn't impress anyone. Neil might get a little buzz later this year as he's been hired by HBO to direct an episode of Game of Thrones that will air this season.

Expendables 2 Wussing Out With PG-13 Rating?

ThePlaylist is reporting that Expendables 2 actor Chuck Norris stated in a translated interview that he was promised by producers the film will end up with a PG-13 rating. This really doesn't make sense considering the success of the first movie which was hard-R and sheer volume of well known/followed action stars attached to the sequel. Even if the budget was greater than the original the added star power assures it's international and domestic success. Playlist gives the impression this could be a marketing move to cash-in on some sort of Hunger Games bandwagon which sounds beyond ridiculous to me. Even if the DVD/BR ends up with an unrated version of the film.

Names like Sly Stallone, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger don't seem like the type of actors that would get together for a PG-13 project. Millennium Films the production studio behind the film isn't in the business of making family friendly films. They're known for hardcore action films like The Mechanic, Rambo (2008), Drive Angry and Conan The Barbarian (2011). Also, I hate to bring up the fact Chuck Norris isn't in any position to be make rating demands of producers. My take is that they promised Norris that "his" scenes would be PG-13, so no graphic violence or swearing.