Anticipation and Opportunities: The Expendables Franchise’s Journey. When The Expendables was first announced in late 2009, it generated significant excitement among fans of 80s action films. The initial cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jet Li, already promised an exhilarating experience. The addition of Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger further heightened anticipation. The film aimed to bring back old-school, action-packed entertainment at a time when the genre was shifting towards grittier realism or CGI-heavy spectacles.
The release of the first film in 2010 received mixed reviews but surpassed box office expectations. While many viewers enjoyed the movie, some felt that it missed certain opportunities. The characters lacked the well-defined nature of classic action films like Predator, and the narrative occasionally felt aimless and poorly executed. Nonetheless, there were still memorable moments, and the chemistry between Stallone and Statham prevailed despite some cheesy dialogue.
The sequel, The Expendables 2, arrived in 2012 and addressed some of the shortcomings of its predecessor. It offered clearer action set pieces, a self-aware tone, and a better balance between action and comedy. The inclusion of more iconic action stars such as Willis, Schwarzenegger, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Chuck Norris added to the appeal. However, even with these improvements, the film struggled to provide all characters with enough screen time and meaningful development.
The release of The Expendables 3 in 2014 took a misstep by attempting to cater to a younger audience with a PG-13 rating. This decision alienated many hardcоre fans who expected a more intense and R-rated experience. The introduction of a younger team to potentially take over the franchise didn’t resonate well, and the film received mediocre reviews. While it didn’t perform well domestically, it found success in the Asian market.
Since then, fans have eagerly awaited a fourth film, but as of 2020, it had not materialized. If a fourth film were to be made, there are areas that could be improved upon. The larger-than-life action personalities should be utilized effectively, with meaningful roles and impactful moments on screen. Characters who have become afterthoughts, like Lundgren, Couture, and Crews, should either be given more prominence or excluded altogether. The villains also require more development and a grander platform to showcase their talents.
The franchise could also benefit from the inclusion of other iconic action stars who have yet to be featured. For example, Steven Seagal and Danny Trejo would be great additions. The film could tap into the wealth of talent in the martial arts and action film industry, including names like Dwayne Johnson, Dave Bautista, Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan, and Iko Uwais. Additionally, the film could explore the possibility of an Expendables team composed of villains, creating an intriguing dynamic.
In terms of creative control, having directors like Chad Stahelski or David Leitch, who have proven their skills in the action genre, take the helm would be ideal. They could bring a fresh perspective and ensure a cohesive and stylistically assured film. Alternatively, a director like Simon West, known for his expertise in broad-strоke action cinema, could effectively manage the egos and deliver a coherent and imaginative film.
Ultimately, a fourth Expendables film has the potential to be a satisfying tribute to 80s and 90s action films. However, it would require careful handling of characters, meaningful screen time, and well-executed action sequences. By bringing in the right action stars and directors, the franchise could regain its former glory and deliver an entertaining and nostalgic experience for fans.