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Sylvester Stallone’s action-packedThe Expendablesfranchise has established itself as a staple thanks to its ensemble star cast of Hollywood legends.
While keeping its two leading stars, Stallone and Jason Statham, the franchise has previously featured a rotating cast of powerful action figures, including Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, and a ton of others.Although the cast of the upcomingExpend4blesis not quite as strong, it does feature a number of well-known performers, including Megan Fox, Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, and Andy Garcia.
In light of the buzz surrounding the fourth installment, aptly titledExpend4bles,it is intriguing to look into the various celebrities who may have appeared in the film. But they unfortunately turned down Stallone’s offer to join thefilm.
Let us take a closer look at some of these actors.
Also Read:“WTF did we run out of money?”: ‘The Expendables 4’ Star Drags Sylvester Stallone Through Mud Over a Promotion Mistake
1. Bruce Willis
FollowingThe Expendables 3(2014),Expend4blesis finally returning to the series after a nine-year hiatus, but the follow-up was apparently still in the works during that time.In the first twoThe Expendablesfilms, Bruce Willis played Mr. Church, a mysterious CIA agent who has an ambivalent relationship with Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone).
The series was likely going to focus on Mr. Church’s true motivations and his ties to enemies, but that was derailed when Willis reportedly turned downThe Expendables 3.
Producers, Kevin King-Templeton and Les Weldon recently spoke to theDaily Expressabout Willis’ absence in the latest installment:
“You have to work with what and who you have available. We bring back as much of the core characters as you may. Bruce had a cameo in the first, a bit more of a part in the second one. The fourth was kind of…you have to evolve.”
Also Read:“That’s a bald-faced lie”: Action Legend Sylvester Stallone Called Out Mel Gibson for Downplaying Their Brutal Fight Scene in ‘The Expendables’
2. Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnsonexpressed a strong desire to play the antagonist inExpend4blesin 2014 and 2022 (viaCinemaBlend).The actor explained:
“I don’t want tobe on their team and be buddies with them. F*** that noise. I want to hunt every single one of them down and tell them to ‘send your soul to heaven cause your ass is mine.’”
It is unclear, though, whether Johnson was genuinely a contender when Sylvester Stallone and Lionsgate were deciding who would play the villain or if he was just wishing the casting into existence.
Anyway, the combination of Stallone and Johnson’s on-screen presence would have been a sight to behold.
3. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was also a candidate to play the villain inExpend4bles. The former wrestler, who also starred inRocky III,admitted that he and Sylvester Stallone had serious discussions about him playing the antagonist.
It is possible that the legendary wrestler would have ended up being the movie’s antagonist, claimed Wrestling Inc. (viaUproxx). Hogan stated the following:
“Was talking on the phone with Sly [Stallone] about doing The Expendables 4. We’re trying to figure out a way to maybe turn me into the most evil man in the world. Y’know, Stallone gave me my first break and he’s been a great friend for all these years … We had a great conversation, talking about the possibilities. Can I still run, can I still jump? Well, not as fast or not as high, but I think Hollywood could find a good stunt man to help me out.”
4. Jean-Claude Van Damme
The best villain in theExpendablesseries has already been played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, who played Jean Vilain inThe Expendables 2and completely ruled with his exceptional performance.
In a conversation withDuJour, Sylvester Stallone recalled the occasion when he approached Van Damme about reprising the role again. However, the latter was adamant about passing up the chance and suggested Stallone a career advice:
“He goes, ‘I believe you are at the point in your life where you should play a priest in East L.A. helping young people.’”
5. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one significant icon who will not be appearing in the fourth film. The former Governor of California announced in May 2023 that his character (Trench) would not be appearing inExpend4blesagain.
The actor put an end to all hopes of his return in a recent interview withParade.
“It’s done and I’m not in it.”
Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture will all make a comeback inExpend4blesto reprise their respective roles from the previous three films. Suarto Rahmat, the film’s villain, will be played by Iko Uwais (The Raid), who will, of course, confront ourExpendablesheroes.
Additionally, some fresh yet well-known faces have joined the team, including Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, Megan Fox, Andy Garcia, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Randy Couture. Eddie Hall and Sheila Shah have also been cast in unspecified roles.
Expend4bleswill be released on August 22, 2025.
The last threeThe Expendablesmovies are currently streaming on Netflix and FuboTV.
Also Read:The Expendables Star Jet Li Was Accused of Being A ‘Scoundrel’ Like Jackie Chan for Allegedly Treating Ex-Wife Horribly: “There are a few of these guys in showbiz”
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
