'The Expendables 3': Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

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.

6. Jean-Claude Van Damme Was Also Set to Make a Return from the 2nd Film

Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s character from the 2nd film was KIA (Killed in Action), but there were plans to bring him back under a new name for The Expendables 3. Instead of playing the deceased role of Jean Vilain, he was reportedly in talks with Stallone to play Jean’s brother Claude Vilain. This character addition never came to be, though.

7. Another Action Move Hero from the 2nd Film Also Won’t Be Making His Return

Actor Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris’ brief scene introduction scene was undoubtedly one of the coolest, fan-service worthy parts of The Expendables 2. Sadly, Mr. Norris won’t be returning to star in The Expendables 3.

8. The Film’s Director Happens to Be Working on an American Remake of Another Action Flick

Expendables 3 director Patrick Hughes is also working on the remake of an international action movie (The Raid) for Sony and Screen Gems. Creighton Rothenberger, Katrin Benedikt and Sylvester Stallone all contributed to teh film’s script.

9. The Rating Was Lowered in Order for it to Reach All Kinds of Action Move Fans

While speaking with Deadline, Sylvester Stallone gave his reasoning behind The Expendables 3 PG-13 rating:

We want to reach as many people as possible. It’s very close to an R, believe me, it’s right there. But I think we owe it to the next generation. We thought we’d join that club for a while. Directors and actors are giving audiences what they want. I think we are exactly where we should be. Arnold, Mel and I, we belong to a different generation so we do what we understand… I believe it’s all a matter of evolution and eventually it will revert back.

10. A 4th Expendables Film is Reportedly in The Works Already

This news should come as no surprise – a 4th film is already in the works. In March 2014, former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan announced that he will star in the film per an agreement with series producer Avi Lerner. Former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan even went on to say that he’d be starring in the 4th film, too.

‘The Expendables 3’: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know