Terrifying Near-Death Experience: Expendables 4 Director Reveals Jaw-Dropping Bike Stunt That Will Leave You Breathless!

When it comes to reviving a popular action franchise like The Expendables after a nearly decade-long break, who would you turn to for help? Most likely, a professional stunt performer. Meet Scott Waugh, the director of Expendables 4, who has a unique background as a former stuntman. Growing up on set, with his father Fred being a renowned movie and TV stuntman since the 1960s and both Scott and his brother Ric pursuing careers in stunts and later becoming directors themselves.

"Having been a stuntman in the past definitely gives me an advantage when stepping onto a set," Waugh explained. "So, when working alongside these action heroes, I can't say we're exactly on the same level, but there is a shared understanding between us."

Caution: This article details an exceptionally exhilarating action sequence towards the end of the movie.

Such elements undeniably enhance the intensity of Expendables 4, particularly when aiming to amplify the action. Consider the thrilling chase scene on a cargo ship, featuring Jason Statham riding a dirt bike equipped with front-mounted guns, pursued by adversaries on similar bikes. This sequence is so awe-inspiring that it may be difficult to fully comprehend upon initial viewing—and it is likely the pinnacle of the entire film.

According to Waugh, the chase in question originated from the screenplay, but he and his team took it to another level during the design process.

While it was initially described in a limited capacity, Waugh felt the need to intensify the chase. He expressed, "I recognized the potential and insisted on making it more exciting. We transformed it from a mere ride around the ship into an intense battle." They went ahead and fashioned the ship in a manner that facilitated high-speed maneuvers.

The way the sequence concludes will bring back memories for Statham fans of a sequence from Transporter 2, almost two decades ago. In that scene, Statham's character flipped his car to remove a bomb attached to the underside. However, this time it's different. Instead of a defensive move, he uses a ramp and flips the bike to execute a remarkable airborne bike gun kill. Waugh explained how this idea originated.

"I had this moment where I thought to myself, we have to find a unique way to kill this guy. Then it occurred to me, because of the guns on the front of the bike, what if we bring in someone like Robbie Maddison to flip the motorcycle jump upside-down and shoot this guy while he's in mid-air?" Waugh said. And when he mentioned "someone like Robbie Maddison," he wasn't just referring to a similar performer but they actually hired the Australian stunt bike performer and X Games gold medalist Robbie Maddison to perform this astonishing feat. And it turns out, they really needed him.

It was incredibly thrilling when we convinced Robbie to participate. He performed the jump for me five times, and it was impressive. However, I had a vision in my mind where I wanted him to go upside-down. I approached him and asked, "Hey man, do you think Robin could enhance it a bit more?" He looked at me with a smile and replied, "Alright, I'll try my best." That's the scene you see in the movie," Waugh disclosed, emphasizing the challenging nature of the jump.

"He nearly had a mishap because he got so extreme with the maneuver, but it's Robbie Madison we're talking about – he always recovers. We decided it was best not to attempt it again. It was a great shot, onto the next one, let's keep moving."

While the stunt work in Expendables 4 may have been remarkable, it wasn't the personal favorite of director Waugh. Instead, he holds the climactic fist fight between Statham and Iko Uwais from The Raid in high regard. According to Waugh, this fight scene showcases two exceptional actors in the film industry, with Iko known for his badassery. The absence of stunt doubles allowed them to engage in a captivating four and a half minute fight sequence that Waugh finds awesome and befitting of the Expendables style.

Waugh's brother, Ric Roman Waugh, has gained significant recognition in recent years for his directorial work on films such as Angel Has Fallen, Greenland, and Kandahar. Despite their close bond as brothers, Scott emphasizes that their professional relationship remains distinct. The two siblings prioritize supporting each other rather than offering critiques. According to Waugh, they already face enough criticism from the outside world and therefore choose to maintain a positive brotherly dynamic.