Fans seem to get a kick out of watching action movie stars of the past get together and blow some ish up on the big screen. The Expendables series is a fantasy mash-up of Hollywood’s biggest action move veterans, who all show that they’ve still got it.
The Expendables 3 is going to continue the heart-pounding action seen in past entries and add a new lineup of familiar badasses. This 2014 summer movie lineup comes to a close in August, which is why this new Expendables movie is here to finish this season with a bang. This new film has a bunch of facts you may not have even known about beforehand. We’ll make sure you get the nitty-gritty on this film’s casting choices, dropped actors and more.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 3rd entry in explosive Expendables series!
1. The Film’s Main Villain is Being Played by Mel Gibson
The Expendables mercenaries main foe this time around is its team co-founder, Conrad Stonebanks (played by Mel Gibson). Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) was forced to dispose of Stonebanks after learning that Stonebanks transition from his mercenary work into illegal arms trading.
Somehow, Stonebanks survived Ross’ attempt on ending his life and now he’s looking to end the team he’s responsible for starting. Ross and his team of veterans and newcomers are forced to deal with the new threat of Stonebanks.
2. The Additions to the Team Include Familiar Actors, a Boxer and Even a Female MMA Fighter
The newest members of the Expendables roster include the following celebrities – Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, Kelsey Grammer, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey, Glen Powell and Victor Ortiz. One of the team’s other main enemies is played by series newcomer Robert Davi.
3. Bruce Willis Left the Film’s Production Over Cash Demands
Around August 2013, it was reported that Bruce Wills was kicked off of the film’s roster due to his outrageous payment demands. Willis was reportedly offered $3-million for four days of consecutive work as the cast filmed on location in Bulgaria. A source close to the whole situation told The Hollywood Reporter that Willis “said he’d drop out unless he got $4 million. A million dollars a day. Stallone and everybody else involved said no.” Willis was soon replaced by Harrison Ford.
4. The Early Development and Production of the Film Included Several Actors and Actresses Who Didn’t Make the Final Film’s Roster
Actor Steven Seagal.
Back in 2012, several actors known for their roles in action films were reported for having some involvement with The Expendables 3. At one point, Steven Seagal said that he was offered to play a part in the film and Nicolas Cage had reportedly signed on to make an appearance.
Jackie Chan’s involvement in the sequel was also hinted at, but he was only willing to show up in the film as long as he was given a major role to play. And in 2013, the Resident Evil’s films’ leading woman Milla Jovovich was reportedly negotiating for a role in the film. In the end though, none of these individuals were added to the final product.
5. Clint Eastwood Was Approached About Being in the Film
Actor/director Clint Eastwood.
The Expendables series producerAvi Lerner said that the other producers of the 3rd film were looking to include Clint Eastwood. These same producers were also working to re-introduce Mickey Rourke to the franchise and bring back other past stars from the last two films. In the end though, these two moves didn’t quite pan out for the film’s final casting.
