Sylvester Stallone, known for his role in The Expendables franchise, recently shared details about a life-altering injury he sustained while filming the action-packed movie in 2010. The film, directed by Stallone himself, brought together a star-studded cast including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Terry Crews, and Dolph Lundgren, among others.
The Expendables follows Stallone's character, Barney Ross, as he leads a team of mercenaries on a perilous mission in South America. One memorable sequence in the film features Stallone facing off against 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's character, Paine.
During a recent episode of The Family Stallone on Paramount Plus, Stallone reflected on the injury he suffered while performing his own stunts for the movie. At the age of 62, Stallone broke his neck during the fight scene with Austin, leading to surgery for a hairline fracture. He emphasized the risks of doing one's own stunts and advised fellow actors against it.
The first two installments of The Expendables franchise are considered the most successful. The original film, directed by Stallone, grossed $268.3 million worldwide, while the sequel in 2012, The Expendables 2, earned $312 million and received better critical reviews.
However, the franchise's popularity declined with subsequent releases. The Expendables 3, released in 2014, shifted to a PG-13 rating and featured a larger ensemble cast but failed to replicate the success of its predecessors. The fourth installment, released last year, marked a significant decline in box office earnings and critical reception, signaling the end of the franchise.
Stallone's reduced role in The Expendables 4, alongside newer cast members like Jason Statham, couldn't revive the series. Despite heavy marketing efforts, the film's poor performance confirmed the audience's waning interest in the franchise.
With The Expendables franchise now defunct, Stallone's future projects are likely to steer clear of strenuous action scenes. The series, known for its ensemble of action stars and high-octane thrills, has reached its conclusion after a notable run in the action genre.
