The Expendables sequel bring in more muscle

If, like me, you were a fan of the testosterone-fuelled, muscle bound actioner that was The Expendables, you might have had one reservation (or two having said that) which would have been the all too briefest of appearances from one Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. Fans were crying out, not only for a second outing for Stallone and Co. but larger roles for the Austrian Oak and the man who will always be known as John McClane. It appears the fans wishes have been rewarded with the news that both the iconic 80’s action heroes will have “substantial” roles in the upcoming sequel, originally titled The Expendables 2.

How “substantial” remains to be seen so long as they both get more than a few lines between them. Even the chance to see them both flex their actions pecks and bring along some good old-fashioned nostalgia would be a right treat but so far, it all seems to be on a “down low” basis, for now anyway. To see Arnie, Bruce and Sly sharing the same screen in the 2010 smash-hit that grossed over $275 million worldwide, was a treat to say the least, and certainly proves they are still a match for these young gun macho men you see these days a la Jason Bourne.

This time around, Stallone has stepped down from directing duties (he is getting on these days, cut the guy some slack) and is being replaced by a worthy filmmaker who has experience in this sort of gung-ho smash-n-grab action madness, Simon West. His credentials make John Woo look like a PG-friendly director – Con Air, The General’s Daughter, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and The Mechanic have all been headed by the Brit director and is a solid choice to lock n’ load with the likes of Statham, Li, Rourke, Lundgren and Couture. There is still no green light as to whether the rumours are true of a certain Jean-Claude Van Damme adding to the muscles (and the age) of this already action mash-up sequel. He’s probably still too busy and cold up in those mountains as the new and fresh (!) face of Coors Light Beer. The same can be said also for Chuck “Straight to VHS” Norris who is rumoured to appear in the sequel. The most ridiculous line-up could get that little more ridiculous if the man, the legend were to star alongside some of the action greats in this already beefed-up sequel. Oh and almost forgot to mention, John Travolta is rumoured for an un-confirmed role … Hell might as well recruit another one to increase the average age of these guys.

Filming is due to explode on set next month with no official word of a plot but anticipate Sly and his gang of mercenaries to be tackling villainous foes once more, supposedly this time in the Far East, but yet another rumour yet to be cleared up but expect further ticks to the cast, location and plot boxes soon enough.

But absolutely brilliant news to have on board once more, Rocky, The Terminator and McClane sharing the same screen, any action movie junkie’s wet dream!

Written by Michael Cunneen