Summary
In 2014, Sylvester Stallone handed offTheExpendablesfranchise to his replacement, but the new lead was pretty much doomed from the start.The Expendablesfranchise started off strong when it first premiered in 2010. The action franchise, helmed by legend Sylvester Stallone, stood out among other movies in the genre due to its star-studded cast and edgy R-rated content. However, barring a slight improvement withThe Expendables 2,every newThe Expendablesmoviehas seen a decrease in quality and reception. The most recent film,Expend4bles,had the worst response yetwith $51 million at the box office and 13% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Expend4blescame nearly 10 years after the latest entry in the franchise,TheExpendables 3.Notably, the movie was led by Jason Statham, not Sylvester Stallone. In many ways,Expend4bleswas a passing of the torch from Stallone to Statham. TheRockystar still appeared in the fourth installment, but gave the limelight to his co-star. Of course, this didn’t reflect very well on Statham when the movie premiered and was panned by critics. However,whyExpend4bles’failedmay not be entirely on Statham’s shoulders. In reality, the disappointment started long beforeExpend4bles.
Every Actor Who Left The Expendables Franchise (& Why)
The Expendables franchise has gathered together some of the greatest action stars, but several of them exited the series as it evolved.
The Expendables 3’s Failure Made Jason Statham’s Job On Expend4ables Almost Impossible
The Expendables 3’s Flop Explained
A significant part ofExpend4bles’failure was that the movie that came before it,The Expendables 3,was also a flop. Though the movie did fairly well at the box office, earning $214 million, its critical reaction wasn’t as positive. On Rotten Tomatoes,The Expendables 3earned 32% from critics and 48% from audiences. This was quite a fall from grace afterThe Expendables 2earned 67% andThe Expendablesearned 42%. Ultimately, this sudden drop in critics' scores meant thatThe Expendables 3kickstarted the franchise’s decreasing success.Expend4bles’bad reviewswere, therefore, almost inevitable.
There is a reason thatThe Expendables 3’scritical reaction was halved from one movie to the next. According to reviews,The Expendables 3lacked the stunning action scenes to make up for its weak storytelling. While previousThe Expendablesmovies were given a pass because of their awesome action sequences and dazzling stars,The Expendables 3simply didn’t do enough. The movie could not sustain itself on just celebrity appearances. In this way,Expend4blesdidn’t learn its lesson, leaving the franchise to flounder. Ultimately,The Expendablesfranchise lost the magic that originally boosted it to success.
None Of Expend4bles' Problems Were Down To Jason Statham
How Statham Kept Expend4bles Afloat
Jason Statham may have ledExpend4bles,but the movie’s failings are not his fault. The actor inherited a franchise that was already starting to falter. With the foundation already rotting,it was impossible for Statham to turn the film series aroundwithout fundamentally changing the entire concept. Furthermore, Statham didn’t really have the power to do such a thing. Though he acted as a producer on the film, he likely had little say in terms of the story, much less upending the entire franchise. So, Jason Statham was doomed to star in a poorly received movie.
The fact that Statham was able to shine in a movie that had so many other issues demonstrates his often underrated abilities as an actor and impressive screen presence.
If anything,Statham savedExpend4bles.Many reviews criticized the film’s flimsy plot and underwhelming action, but noted that Statham remained steady throughout. TheRotten Tomatoescritical consensusconfirms that the movie’s biggest strength is “solid work from Jason Statham” – irrespective of its other flaws. The fact that Statham was able to shine in a movie that had so many other issues demonstrates his often underrated abilities as an actor and impressive screen presence.
Jason Statham Deserves Another Chance To Revive The Expendables Franchise
How Statham Can Save The Expendables
DespiteExpend4bles’failure, Jason Statham should get one more chance to save the franchise. Not only is his track record within the franchise impressive enough on its own terms to warrant another attempt at reinventing the series, but he has proven on multiple other occasions that he has the star power necessary to elevate any action project. Releases likeThe Beekeeperprove that, in the right hands, a Jason Statham action vehicle that really allows him to shine can be a huge success. Combining this potential with a different team of writers and a fresh new perspective could hold the key toThe Expendables’future.
Jason Statham’s next confirmed movie is 2025’sLevon’s Trade.
WhereasExpend4blesintroduced actors and celebrities who aren’t necessarily known for their action credentials, the next movie can return to the formula that made the first films so successful.Stars like Glen Powell, who are building a reputation in the genre and have already featured in the franchise, could be great additions. Building on this solid cast, a fifth movie can also focus on delivering a compelling story with genuine stakes. IfThe Expendablesimproves in these key areas, it can move beyondExpend4bles’failure.
The Expendables
The Expendablesis an American action film franchise created by David Callaham and Sylvester Stallone. It revolves around a team of elite mercenaries and serves as an homage to 1980s and 1990s blockbuster action films, featuring iconic action stars. The franchise includes four films, released between 2010 and 2023, along with comic books, video games, and potential spin-offs, including a canceled all-female film. Known for its ensemble cast and explosive action,The Expendablescelebrates both classic and modern action heroes.
