Though I happened to like Bullet to the Head and am looking forward to Escape Plan (formerly known as The Tomb) and Grudge Match, it seems like Sylvester Stallone really only has scored hits in his comeback by returning to his best-known characters (Rocky and Rambo) or by getting the 80s action movie gang together in The Expendables movies. While The Expendables 2 made slightly less money than The Expendables in the U.S., it made more money worldwide, so a third movie has been a no-brainer for a while.
Stallone has recently been teasing a list of names on his Twitter who might be involved in a third Expendables film, and I got to hand it to Stallone — I don’t know how he keeps getting bigger and better casts for each Expendables film, but he pulls it off. Of course, who wouldn’t want to be in an Expendables movie, especially if you’re an action movie actor who hasn’t had a big hit in a while? Here is a list of those who Stallone has mentioned are definitely in on the third film or are interested in being involved:
Steven Seagal — Though Seagal is neither in top fighting shape nor is he generally well-liked in the industry these days, let’s not forget how awesome he was in movies like Under Siege. A few days back Stallone tweeted, “Just talked to STEVEN S. in Moscow …Sounds great and says he wants to be in EX3, if the part fits….” Considering Seagal’s only theatrically released movie in years was Machete (in which he only had a small part), I don’t see why he wouldn’t want to get a piece of the franchise.
Wesley Snipes — Stallone has said over and over again that he wanted to give his Demolition Man co-star a second chance at stardom after serving his time in prison for tax evasion. It’s been made pretty clear that Snipes will be in the third movie. Again, Stallone reveals all on his Twitter, posting, “Talked to WESLEY today … He can not WAIT to fight to the top again !!!!!!! Over…”
Mickey Rourke — Right after his Oscar nominated role in The Wrestler, Rourke did a small role in The Expendables. He didn’t return for the sequel — his character wasn’t even mentioned — but now that Rourke is back to doing a lot of direct-to-video action movies and the Sin City sequel it seems like another return is in order. Stallone’s Twitter take? “Mighty Mickey is back…………”
Antonio Banderas — Though Banderas is not often thought of as an action hero, let’s not forget that Desperado was one of the best action films of the 1990s and he was no slouch in two Zorro films either. Banderas was in talks to appear in The Expendables 2, but that fell through. Stallone is obviously not giving up on him, posting “Antonio B. …? Could be.” He’d fit right in with the international flavor of the franchise.
Jackie Chan — Stallone Tweeted a cryptic, “What’s the plan? Ask Jackie Chan…..”, but the martial arts megastar himself confirmed that he was in talks to take a small role to Empire. Chan admitted that he was very interested, but had to read the script first before meeting with Stallone. I think he might be the toughest get for Stallone, but would also be the best by far.
Hulk Hogan — Though Hogan wasn’t mentioned in Stallone’s recent Twitter barrage, Hogan has practically begged for a role while he was a guest on The Howard Stern Show, and he and Stallone go way back (Thunderlips!) so that’s always a possibility. However, I would much rather see Mr. T or “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in the film instead of Hogan.
Along with the new blood, we can likely expect the returns of Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, and perhaps a few others. Stallone is writing the screenplay (as he did for the first two films) and will be directed by relative newcomer Patrick Hughes (Red Hill).
So… who would you like to see in The Expendables 3? How about anyone who hasn’t been mentioned yet?
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