According to Variety, a representative for Nu Image/Millennium Films has stated that the production is currently in talks with a Chinese distributor to come aboard the project as a co-financier in an effort to maximize profits from the Chinese movie marketplace. Segments of the film would then need to be shot in China itself.
Where does Donnie Yen come in? Apparently, Yen was offered the “tailor-made” part on the condition that the partnership deal with the Chinese distributor goes through. This would make it easier for THE EXPENDABLES 2 to be released in China since Yen’s presence would be an automatic boon for the film’s box office chances in the country.