The Expendables 4: Why It Failed and What's Next for the Franchise

The Failure of The Expendables 4

The Expendables 4, one of 2023's most significant critical and commercial disappointments, faced a tumultuous journey from inception to release. Dolph Lundgren, a key figure in the franchise, candidly discussed the reasons behind the movie's failure, including a lackluster script, Sylvester Stallone's limited involvement, and the impact of SAG-AFTRA strikes on the movie's promotion. Lundgren's insights shed light on the challenges that plagued the production and contributed to its underwhelming performance.

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Lundgren's candid remarks about the movie's troubled production revealed that the issues began early on, with a subpar script and Stallone's reduced role in the project. The absence of Stallone's influential presence, both on and off-screen, was a significant departure from the franchise's established formula, leading to concerns about the movie's quality and appeal. Additionally, the last-minute change in directors further destabilized the production, creating an environment ripe for creative and logistical challenges. The combination of these factors set the stage for a challenging and ultimately unsuccessful production.

Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables 4 image

The Expendables 4 faced further setbacks with the absence of several original cast members, signaling a departure from the ensemble dynamic that had defined the earlier installments. Critics and audiences alike expressed disappointment over the limited screen time for key characters, particularly Stallone, and the absence of beloved cast members such as Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jet Li. The subdued anticipation for the movie, coupled with the negative track record of the creative team, further diminished its prospects, resulting in a lackluster box office performance.

Jason Statham covered in blood as Lee Christmas in The Expendables 4.

The Uncertain Future of the Franchise

The underwhelming performance of The Expendables 4 has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the franchise. With the movie failing to meet expectations both critically and commercially, questions loom over the viability of future installments and related projects. The reported box office earnings of $51.1 million against a $100 million production budget underscore the financial challenges facing the franchise, raising doubts about its sustainability in the current landscape of blockbuster cinema.

Megan Fox's character Gina leaning against doorframe in The Expendables 4

The shelving of the female-led spinoff, The Expendabelles, and the prolonged development of an Expendables TV show further reflect the turbulence surrounding the franchise's expansion beyond its core movies. While the potential for an Expendables 5 script being developed by Sylvester Stallone offers a glimmer of hope, it remains to be seen whether the lessons learned from The Expendables 4 will inform the creative direction and strategic decisions for future projects. The balancing act of preserving the franchise's legacy while adapting to changing audience expectations and industry trends presents a formidable challenge for the creative team and studio executives.

50 Cent as Easy Day firing a machine gun in The Expendables 4.

Looking Ahead: The Prospects of Expendables 5

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise, indications of Sylvester Stallone's involvement in developing an Expendables 5 script signal a potential turning point for the series. As the driving force behind the franchise, Stallone's commitment to steering the narrative and creative direction of a potential fifth installment reflects a proactive approach to addressing the shortcomings of The Expendables 4. The prospect of Stallone's hands-on involvement in shaping the next chapter of the franchise holds promise for a course correction and a reinvigoration of the series' appeal to audiences and critics alike.

While the details of Expendables 5 remain speculative, the prospect of Stallone's leadership in the project offers a ray of hope for fans and industry observers. As the franchise stands at a crossroads, the decisions and developments surrounding the fifth movie will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, serving as a litmus test for the franchise's resilience and capacity to evolve in response to the challenges and lessons from The Expendables 4. The potential resurgence of the franchise hinges on the ability to strike a delicate balance between honoring its legacy and embracing innovation, ensuring that the Expendables saga continues to captivate audiences in the ever-evolving landscape of action cinema.