Who's Coming Back for The Expendables 2?
Posted 01.18.11 by Ryan
Ever since The Expendables exploded into theaters last August, earning $274 million worldwide, the question has been "what will writer/director star Sylvester Stallone do for a sequel?" Weeks after the movie's release, Stallone asked his Twitter followers what they thought of bringing Bruce Willis back as a villain, but hasn't mentioned too many other details regarding the sequel's plot or cast. So far, it's looking like the some of the original cast are returning.
Jason Statham, who played Stallone's right-hand man Lee Christmas in The Expendable admitted to Collider that he's "very positive" he'll return for the sequel.
Yes I have heard about a sequel and I’d be the first to say yes to a phone call from Sly. I mean, we spoke about it as soon as the movie started to do really well and he says, you know, it would be great to do this again, and if there’s anyone who can do a good sequel it’s Sly Stallone! He’s done a fair amount. Yeah, we had a good time. It’s something I’d like to repeat.
Statham admitted he's currently "waiting" to do Expendables 2 before adding more movies to his calendar.
As for Willis, AccessHollywood asked the actor — who appeared in The Expendables as the mysterious character named Church — about the sequel at the Golden Globes, and confirmed he is interested in returning.
Apparently it’s going to happen this year... As far as I know, barring any unforeseen circumstances, but yeah, I would love to be a part of it.
Stallone reportedly is looking to add other 1980s and 1990s action stars as well, including Jean-Claude Van Damme. Van Damme's Double Impact director Sheldon Lettich claims that JCVD was interested in joining the sequel.
"JC seems to be leaning towards appearing in the sequel, as far as I know," Lettich revealed on the forums of the Van Damme fansite The Van Damme Files (via The Playlist). JCVD reportedly turned down the role that eventually was given to Dolph Lundgren in the original.
Lettich also claims that Expendables 2 likely won't star Steven Seagal.
If Steven Seagal is not in the sequel, from what I’ve heard it won’t be because of Sly but because of producer Avi Lerner, who had a few bad experiences with Steven.
There are other interesting names rumored for the sequel. Last month, Lundgren told Den of Geek that Channing Tatum's name was mentioned as a possibility, while Chuck Norris was rumored last September to be up for a "cameo" role like Arnold Schwarzenegger had in the original.
Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, and Carl Weathers have also been rumored, which might be considered ridiculous if we were talking about any movie other than Expendables 2. We're sure there will be plenty more casting rumors before the sequel steps in front of cameras.