EXPENDABLES is one of those things that sounds good on paper, until you actually do it and realize what a mistake you've made. Like jalapeno flavored ice-cream or making BATMAN V SUPERMAN. See, the idea of bringing all the action stars – old and new – together in one film is a cool f*cking idea. And honestly, I'm glad I got to see a movie in my lifetime where Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Chuck Norris all got to kick ass in the same frame at one point.
Thing is, that makes the BvS analogy even more apt: there are definitely legit thrills to be had in all three EXPENDABLE films (Mickey Rourke's monologue in the first one, the aforementioned climax of the second one, Wesley Snipes' jailbreak intro in number three), though you have to slog through some uninspired action, lame jokes, and nothing plots to get to these moments. Though, to be fair, your mileage may vary.
However, while the third film didn't meet expectations, the films still make money regardless. So an EXPENDABLES 4 was somewhat inevitable, though The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that this should be the last film in the series (until, you know, it makes a lot of money again).
No word on who'll return, besides the confirmed Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Statham, though the roster grew to include Dolph Lundgren, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Kelsey Grammer (somehow), Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Harrison Ford, etc. So let's hope at least some return for another go-around. I mean, how many true-blue action stars (like Kelsey Grammer) are left anyway? Also not mentioned is if the rumored all-female EXPENDEBELLES film is still in development or not.
But what do you think, Schmoes? You down for some more EXPENDABLES? And, if so, who would you like to add on the team?
No concrete release date set yet, but EXPENDABLES 4 is set to dad-rock into theaters sometime in 2018.