Our Expendables 4 Dream Team
Article by Anthony Cleveland
As some of you may know, Stallone teased the prospect of The Expendables crew getting back together for a fourth installment with "a couple new members." Before Stallone's curious tweet, the last we knew was that he had exited the franchise for "creative differences," which in turn prompted Schwarzenegger to exit the franchise as well unless Sly returned. Well, whether it was a publicity stunt or a legit resolving of creative issues, it seems likely that the band of action heroes will be reunited for a fourth go around. That had us thinking, who would we love to see alongside the already staggering list of stars?
We meditated on this question for a bit, and we think we've come up with some pretty dope casting — we're a bit biased, though, we must admit. Here's our picks for ideal additions to the continuation of The Expendables:
- Danny Trejo
Even before Machete, Danny Trejo was proving himself an action person with true grit. He's got Heat, Con Air, Anaconda, and the From Dusk Til Dawn films to his credit, as well. Trejo's versatility can paint him as either hero or villain, and he's good at both, which is why we think he'd make a good addition to the crew.
- Keanu Reeves
Reeves could be "the one" The Expendables crew is missing. While he's dabbled in everything from stoner comedies to dramas, action films seem to be where he's most comfortable. Even before The Matrix or John Wick, he was flexing his action muscles in Point Break and Speed, which is why we think he'd blend right in with the rest of these actions heroes.
- Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell makes everything better, and frankly, we don't know why he hasn't been included amongst the lot of Expendables. His action hero status is legendary, and the films are too many to mention. If Russell's showed us anything over the past couple of years it's that he's still got it. The Expendables should strike while the iron's hot, and throw an eye patch on him while you're at it.
- Jean Reno
With Leon The Professional and Ronin to his credit, we think Reno would find a nice home in The Expendables universe. He brings with him a certain charm that the current crew could benefit from.
- Charlize Theron
It's 2018 and we think The Expendables needs to add a kick ass female to their ranks, someone who can go toe-to-toe with any man. We don't know about you, but that brings Charlize Theron immediately to mind. With credits like Atomic Blonde, Mad Max: Fury Road, Prometheus, and The Fate and the Furious she's more than capable of keeping up with the rest of the team.
- Yayan Ruhian & Iko Uwais
Any film where these guys face off is one to behold. Their showdowns in both Raid films were brutally epic. Put Iko on The Expendables team, and Yayan on the bad guy's squad as the badass right hand to the batshit insane boss.
- Chow Yun-fat
With John Woo films like The Killer and Hardboiled, as well as some martial arts films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Chow Yun-fat definitely has the chops to join the team. He'd add a nice flair and swagger to the cast, and could help elevate the dramatic scenes.
- Jackie Chan
Chan has an extensive amount of action credits to his name, and is known for his amazing stunts and his comedic charm. He could improve the cast and many different ways, but mainly we just want more Jackie Chan stunts.
- Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is the batshit villain that The Expendables films have been looking for. If Cage joined the cast, he'd need to be totally and sadistically unhinged on a strict vodka and cocaine diet. We know it's not only something he's capable of doing, but the thing he does the best.
- Sigourney Weaver
More kickass women! Sigourney Weaver is an action goddess, and her merit for The Expendables doesn't need justification. It would just be great to see her stand alongside the current lot of stars. We think she can still hang.
Did we leave any of your picks off our list? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!