3 Years Later, Jason Statham’s Thrilling 4-Part Action Series Is the Perfect Replacement for Fast & Furious Fans

The eleventh, and probably remaining Fast & Furious film doesn’t roll in till 2028, by which era followers may have waited almost 5 years since 2023’s Fast X. If you’re lacking the massive, brawny thrills of the Vin Diesel franchise, it is likely to be time to name on one other group of motion legends: The Expendables. Spanning 4 movies between 2010 and 2023, the films are a fantasy draft of each motion celebrity of the previous 40 years, combining to create an explosive spectacle that additionally featured a future Fast & Furious favourite.

‘The Expendables’ is a Thrilling Action Franchise

The title refers to a gaggle of mercenaries led by Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), who’re employed for their abilities in fight to do the jobs governments don’t need their title on. In the first movie, a job overthrowing a Latin American dictator turns into messy when it emerges the politician is the puppet of a rogue CIA officer. In the second movie, the crew is out for revenge in opposition to an previous enemy (Jean-Claude Van Damme) who kills one in every of their very own. The third film sees Ross up in opposition to his previous mentor (Mel Gibson), whereas the fourth sees them undertake the lofty process of stopping World War III.

There are consistencies throughout the series: the plots are outlandish, whereas each the set items and solid solely get greater. Bullets, explosives, and fists fly as the heroes obtain their purpose by any means doable, and the ensemble solid is jaw-dropping. Joining Stallone at varied factors throughout the movies are Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, and the late Chuck Norris, to call however a couple of. Meanwhile, motion stars of the future, reminiscent of Scott Adkins, Luke Hemsworth, and Glen Powell, are launched in future movies. The movies have been criticized for their plot (solely The Expendables 2 has achieved a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes), however they’ve secured a cult following due to the crossover that many nonetheless can’t imagine occurred.

The Movies Gave Us the Meeting We’ve Been Waiting For

Those who grew up on the action films of the ‘80s and ‘90s knew there were two kings of the genre: Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once fierce box office rivals, fans often wondered what it would be like if the pair squared up on screen. With the first Expendables movie, that wish was granted. Early on in the film, Barney is offered a mission by his shadowy contact “Mr Church” (Bruce Willis). Arriving at their meeting place, he is dismayed to learn his rival, Trench Mauser (Schwarzenegger) has also been contacted.

Their exchange is short, but filled with barbs at one another. Turning down Church’s supply, Mauser says, “give this job to my friend here, he loves playing in the jungle,” a sly reference to Stallone’s time as Rambo. In response, when Church asks what Mauser’s problem is, Barney quips: “He wants to be President.” Schwarzenegger had only just finished his term as governor of California, and had been away from significant film roles ever since 2003’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.

Rambo vs. Terminator, Rocky vs. Dutch… the match-up of action fans’ dreams was fulfilled with those men sharing the screen for the first time, with no less than fellow ‘80s legend Willis serving as referee. It’s precisely what makes these films so enjoyable – the chance to see icons of the past team up in a way that didn’t feel possible.

‘The Expendables’ Crowned a Future Fast & Furious Star

While Stallone is the figurehead, Jason Statham is his second-in-command as Lee Christmas. One of only four actors to appear in all installments (alongside Stallone, Lundgren, and Randy Couture), his chemistry with Stallone gives the film its heart, creating a buddy duo that’s impossible not to enjoy.

Fond of wisecracks, knife-throwing, and dealing with his tumultuous love life, he feels like the most rounded and consistent character in the movies, as well as representing the “future” of the motion style. At the time of the first movie, Statham had solely been in the business a couple of years, a relative newcomer in comparison with his co-stars, however had made an impression with motion films like The Transporter, Crank, and War with Jet Li. As such, it felt like a passing of the torch, with Statham being introduced into esteemed firm as the motion hero of tomorrow.

That blessing was adopted by Statham starring in action-packed blockbusters like The Meg, The Mechanic, and, in fact, the Fast & Furious franchise. Coming in at the finish of the sixth movie as villain Deckard Shaw, he would finally turn into one in every of Dom Toretto’s (Diesel) gang, even getting his personal spin-off, 2019’s Hobbs & Shaw, reverse fellow powerful man Dwayne Johnson.

Celebrating the explosive stars of the previous and furthering the motion males of the current, The Expendables has precisely the form of spectacle-heavy enchantment that makes it a consolation watch for so many who love their films massive and brash. 2023’s Exp4ndables was poorly acquired, finally shedding cash at the field workplace, however extra films could also be on the means, as in November 2025, Lionsgate bought the rights to the franchise. Whether Statham shall be main a brand new wave of heroes or teaming up with previous friends, there’s lots for followers to be enthusiastic about.

The Expendables is out there to stream on Netflix in the U.S.