Action movie veteran Sylvester Stallone is gearing up for a huge 12 months.
As we learned back in April, the former Rocky star has agreed to headline Rambo 5, which is currently targeting a theatrical release this September. And as if that wasn’t enough nostalgia for you, Deadline brings word today that Sylvester Stallone is officially locked in for The Expendables 4 ahead of its own launch early next year.
Stallone has been linked with the action sequel for months – if not years – though the actor’s alleged fallout with Nu Image/Millennium chairman Avi Lerner cast doubt over a possible fourth appearance from the cigar-chomping Barney Ross. But even if there were traces of bad blood, it seems all is well in The Expendables camp. Which is just as well, considering filming on the star-studded blockbuster is expected to kick off this summer in Bulgaria.
Or so says Randy Couture, who also revealed that screenwriter Gregory Poirier is returning to the action franchise to hash out a script. Still no update on the director front, though we imagine Stallone will have a say on who winds up behind the megaphone – even if he assumes directing duties himself.
Now for the million-dollar question: who will jump back on the bandwagon in time for Expendables 4? Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren are the safe bets, though we imagine the likes of Wesley Snipes, Jet Li, and Star Wars legend Harrison Ford have bid adieu to the franchise. Ditto for Bruce Willis, who was originally scheduled to reprise his role in The Expendables 3 before a messy fall out with Stallone.
And Arnie? Well, he said he wouldn’t return without Sly, so at least there’s that. More on The Expendables 4 when we have it.