The Expendables 4: Unleashing the Ultimate Action-Packed Thrill Ride

Summary

Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are returning for another action-packed adventure in The Expendables 4 after a nearly 10-year franchise hiatus.

The new film will go back to its origins by embracing an R rating, in response to the disappointment expressed by certain audiences regarding the PG-13 rating of The Expendables 3.

This R rating entails "intense and gory violence throughout" and "strong language," which are familiar elements. However, it also introduces "sexual content," marking a significant departure for the franchise.

The Expendables 4 has now been officially given an age rating, signaling a return to its original roots. Notably, there is one significant change this time around. After a lengthy absence of almost a decade, Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham are back for another thrilling adventure, following the lukewarm reception of The Expendables 3 in 2014. The first two movies in the franchise held an R rating, but the third film controversially opted for a PG-13 rating.

In anticipation of The Expendables 4's release, the MPAA has confirmed on FilmRatings.com that the sequel will indeed revert to an R rating. This rating is due to the film's "strong/ bloody violence throughout" and "language", but it also introduces "sexual material" for the first time in the franchise.

What Expendables 4's R Rating Means For The Movie

The decision to rate The Expendables 3 as PG-13 in order to attract a younger audience ultimately backfired, as it ended up alienating the franchise's loyal fans without successfully appealing to new viewers. This resulted in the film receiving negative reviews and performing poorly at the box office, with even Stallone himself admitting that it was a mistake. With the upcoming sequel, it appears that the franchise is returning to its roots, as Stallone, Statham, and the rest of the cast in The Expendables 4 are once again delivering the violent and gory action that the earlier movies were praised for. While the inclusion of sexually explicit content is a notable change.

The role of this material in the movie is not yet clear, however, the Expendables 4 trailer showcases an in-depth exploration of the sexually charged relationship between Statham's Lee Christmas and Megan Fox's character, Gina. It can be assumed that this duo will contribute to the revised rating of the film. Though numerous unanswered questions surround The Expendables 4, the confirmation of an R rating is definitely a promising indication.