There has been one big question hanging over the future of Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables universe. And no, snarky types, it hasn’t been whether anyone truly wants or needs a sequel. It’s been the ongoing dilemma of who would direct the second film. Sly himself said he would only be back in front of the cameras and have a hand in writing it. Then came word from other sources that he was pondering a return to the big folding chair. Now we have the official answer: Simon West has been hired to do the job.
West, who last brought us the Jason Statham-starring remake of The Mechanic, certainly has the required action pedigree. He hasn’t exactly had spotless run, but he did make Con Air, so he knows how to wrangle eclectic casts and big explosions.
No plot details have been revealed yet, but if we’re honest, that’s not really going to be the driving force of the film. Sly will be back to lead the team that includes Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke and Jet Li. Things will go boom, hundreds of bullets will be shot, quips will be traded and stunts will be pulled off. Oh, and there are likely to be some new throwback casting choices to either fill out the heroic ensemble or play the villains.
We should start to find out about those soon enough, as the film is scheduled to kick off shooting this summer.