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After nearly a decade since “The Expendables 3,” “The Expendables 4” has made its way to theaters. Despite doubts fueled by its PG-13 rating and the previous installment’s lukewarm reception, the fourth movie began production in 2021 and finished filming in October, breathing new life into the franchise.
Spearheaded by Sylvester Stallone and boasting a lineup of action film icons such as Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and more, the Expendables series kicked off in 2010 with “The Expendables.” It swiftly led to the 2012 sequel “The Expendables 2,” which outperformed the original. “The Expendables 3” followed in 2014. Here’s the reason for the significant delay in the production of “The Expendables 4.”
The Expendables 4: Why It Takes So Long to Make the Movie
The Franchise Had to Pause After The Expendables 3
The first two “Expendables” films enjoyed immense success, with the second becoming a box office hit in 2012. However, “The Expendables 3” disappointed, primarily due to its PG-13 rating, a departure from the R-rated predecessors, upsetting fans. This damaged the film’s reputation, leading to poor critical and commercial performance. The film’s overly large cast and directionless plot also contributed to its negative reception. As a result, “The Expendables 4” was put on hold as the studio grappled with financial losses, allowing the team to assess the franchise’s strengths and weaknesses for a potential successful comeback.
The Planned a Spin-Off
In 2012, after “Expendables 2,” plans for an all-female spin-off called “The ExpendaBelles” were announced, aiming for a story of female empowerment. Initial actresses considered were Meryl Streep, Mila Jovovich, and Cameron Diaz. Despite seeking a female director, the project stalled. In November 2022, it was officially canceled due to difficulties in justifying an all-female team, leading to a renewed focus on “The Expendables 4” with women included.
The Terry Crews Situation
In 2017, during the #MeToo movement, Terry Crews, a prominent cast member in the franchise, bravely shared his own experience of sexual harassment by a high-level executive, Adam Venit, from talent company William Morris Endeavor (WME). Despite being named a Time’s Person of the Year Silence Breaker, Crews’ abuser received only a reprimand and a one-month suspension. Crews filed a lawsuit, but it was time-barred. Film producer Avi Lerner attempted to silence Crews by using his role in the franchise as leverage, leading Crews to vow not to appear in any future installments.
Regrettably, Stallone didn’t show support for his co-star by not reaching out after Crews shared his experience. Crews testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about his trauma, highlighting the lack of support from franchise actors, especially during Avi Lerner’s own investigation for abuse. The fourth sequel featured mostly new cast members, with notable absences like Jet Li and Schwarzenegger, and Crews didn’t return due to these circumstances.
The Expanded Storylines in Comic Book Form
Sylvester Stallone extended the Expendables universe by licensing it to Dynamite Comics, initially resulting in a prequel comic. Later, he collaborated with former Batman writer Chuck Dixon for a 50-page comic titled “The Expendables Go to Hell.” The comic, now published by Splatto Comics, explores the team’s journey in the afterlife and involves historical villains like Nazis, Romans, and Samurais. Stallone, a staunch conservative, seems content with the new publisher’s right-wing stance.
Expendables 4 Bombed
“The Expendables 4” released on September 22, 2023, aiming to tap into both 80’s action movie nostalgia and late 2000s popularity. Megan Fox’s casting bridged the connection with the “ExpendaBelles” concept, introducing women to the team. However, the film disappointed at the box office, earning only $8 million in its opening weekend, a stark contrast to its predecessors, and failing to claim the top spot, trailing “The Nun 2.” International numbers aren’t expected to salvage its performance as before.
While some film series successfully stage comebacks despite long gaps, “The Expendables” doesn’t seem to follow suit. The reasons remain uncertain, but it could be due to diminishing novelty. Stallone revisited his Rocky and Rambo franchises, and the concept of action heroes teaming up may have lost its appeal post-Avengers. The franchise’s hiatus may not have been long enough to spark nostalgia. Given the disappointing box office numbers, “The Expendables 5” is unlikely to happen anytime soon, if ever.
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