The Expendables: A Franchise Lost in Transition

The Rise of The Expendables

The Expendables franchise, a brainchild of the legendary Sylvester Stallone, emerged during a pivotal phase in his career. Riding the wave of success from iconic roles in films like Rocky Balboa and Rambo, Stallone set out to create a dream project for action aficionados.

Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross in Expendables 4.

Bringing together a star-studded ensemble of action icons, The Expendables movies promised to be a thrilling extravaganza on the silver screen. However, the reality fell short of the grand vision, plagued by over-edited action sequences, an over-reliance on CGI, and forced humor that failed to resonate with audiences.

Jason Statham And Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables 4 Posters

The Stallone Conundrum

The ill-fated Expendables 4 took a drastic misstep by attempting to thrust Jason Statham into the lead role, only to be hampered by a lackluster script and subpar action sequences. This move not only alienated fans but also left the franchise teetering on the brink of obscurity.

Sylvester Stallone drinking a beer as Barney Ross in The Expendables 4.

In a baffling turn of events, Expendables 4 shockingly sidelined its creator, Sylvester Stallone, reducing his character Barney to a mere cameo appearance. This decision, reminiscent of the mishap in Escape Plan 2, proved to be a fatal blow to the film's integrity and left audiences yearning for the iconic Stallone presence.

The Expendables 3 cast posing together

The Escape Plan Saga

In parallel to the Expendables debacle, Stallone's involvement in the Escape Plan franchise faced a similar plight. Despite being marketed as the main character, Stallone's role in Escape Plan 2 and 3 was diminished, with limited screen time and lukewarm critical reception.

Dave Baustista Sylvester Stallone and Jesse Metcalfe in prison in Escape Plan 2

The ill-fated Escape Plan 2 struggled to recoup its budget and was met with scathing reviews, signaling a downward spiral for the franchise. Even with Stallone's return in the third installment, the damage had been done, casting a shadow over the future of the series.

Sylvester Stallone's Breslin holding a pistol in Escape Plan 2

The Demise of Two Franchises

Both Expendables 4 and Escape Plan 2 share a common fate, as they attempted to replace Stallone with younger stars while trying to capitalize on his name. This misguided strategy backfired, leaving gaping voids that the remaining cast couldn't fill, ultimately leading to the downfall of two beloved franchises.

Stallone pointing a gun in a promotional image for Escape Plan 2_ Hades

The aftermath of these missteps has left a bleak outlook for the future of both series, with doubts looming over the potential for redemption and resurgence.

A Glimmer of Hope

Amidst the gloom, there lies a glimmer of hope for The Expendables series. The impending Expendables 5 presents an opportunity for revival, provided it learns from the mistakes of its predecessors.

Returning to the roots, The Expendables 5 must refocus on a limited cast of action luminaries, delivering awe-inspiring set pieces and reigniting the essence that made the franchise a standout in the action genre. With Sylvester Stallone at the helm, the potential for a creative resurgence beckons, offering a beacon of optimism for the future of The Expendables.