While The Expendables might not be the most acclaimed franchise Sylvester Stallone has led in his career, the loud action blockbuster has its charm, and its success can be reflected in the box office. But with the actor parting ways with other major franchises that he helped build from the ground up, including Rambo and Rocky, it might not be too long before he also departs from the role of Barney Ross.
Although the upcoming fourth entry might revive the franchise, heading forward, The Expendables IP might no longer lie on the shoulders of Stallone.
1. Passing the Torch to Jason Statham
Considering Jason Statham is set to do the heavy lifting in The Expendables 4, this might indicate that the franchise is set to evolve in a new direction. While Statham has played a major role in the previous three entries, Stallone’s Ross remained the main driving force, and with the roles being reversed, it seems Stallone is ready to pass the torch and the IP into the capable hands of Statham.
2. Aiming to Leave Things on a High Note
Looking back at Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo franchise, it refused to evolve unlike the Rocky movies, which witnessed Sylvester Stallone passing the mantle to Michael B. Jordan. As a result, the later franchise continues to score high among fans and critics while the last entry in the Rambo franchise witnessed diminishing returns and diluted the iconic IPs legacy. So it’d make sense for Sylvester Stallone to leave the franchise on a high note with The Expendables 4, and let it thrive on its own in the foreseeable future.
3. Not a Big Fan of the New Direction
The Expendables 4 has gone under major production delays, as it was initially slated for a release in 2018. One of the major reasons behind the delay was Sylvester Stallone‘s brief exit back in 2017, following creative differences, and he wasn’t fond of the direction the movie was heading. And even though the actor rejoined the fourth film, moving forward, it won’t be surprising if he parts ways with the franchise once and for all.
4. Sylvester Stallone Is Packed With His TV Projects
Other than handling some of the most loved action IPs, in recent years, Sylvester Stallone has been making a name for himself in the realm of TV. And with the actor busy with the upcoming second seasons for both Tulsa King and his reality show, The Family Stallone, it’d make sense for the actor to cut ties with the major action franchise, focusing more on these shows.
5. No Longer Involved in the Writing and Directing Process
While Sylvester Stallone was heavily involved in the writing and directing of the previous entries, The Expendable 4 will be the first film in the franchise, where he’ll not have any credit as a director or writer. This further indicates that Stallone might be ready to bid goodbye to Barney Ross.
6. Barney Ross’ Possible Death in The Expendables 4
With several factors implying that Sylvester Stallone is done with long-running franchises, it’d not be unlikely to assume that his Barney Ross will die in the fourth film. Following the creative differences and other factors contributing to Stallone being alienated from the franchise, it’d make sense for the creators to craft a heavy and deserved exit for the actor.
While The Expendables 4 might mark the end of Sylvester Stallone’s dominance in the franchise landscape, it’ll be exciting to witness what the future holds for the action icon.
The Expendables 4 is set to hit theatres on 22 September 2023.
