As the new year rolls in, so does the familiar thrill of non-stop action and camaraderie that fans have come to expect from iconic action heroes, Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham. The dynamic duo is back with a loud bang in the much-anticipated ‘Expend4bles,’ set to premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play this January 5th. This latest installment promises an unparalleled blend of high-stakes adventure and explosive stunts as the old guard meets a brigade of fresh faces.
Returning to form, Stallone and Statham reprise their roles as Barney Ross and Lee Christmas, the heart of the mercenary group known as The Expendables. This time around, their mission is not only a test of brawn and bullets but also a heartening passage of legacy as they make room for a new generation of action stars. The film’s roster is impressive, with big names such as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia joining the fray. Their inclusion brings an exciting depth and diverse array of fighting acumen that promises to redefine the series’ notion of “new blood.”
The veterans and newcomers together form an elite team of mercenaries, the best of the best and Earth’s final line of defense. When there are no more options left on the table, and the world’s safety hangs in the balance, it’s The Expendables that are called upon to save the day. This assemblage of muscle and skill is more than ready to tackle any threat, equipped with an arsenal that would make any armorer green with envy.
At the center of this action extravaganza is the deep-seated brotherly bond between Barney and Christmas, a theme that Stallone emphasizes. He speaks candidly about their on-screen relationship, “Barney and Christmas are closer than brothers; we wanted to remind audiences how close they are in the film’s opening scenes. It also sets the stage for later, when Barney appears to pass the torch of leadership to Christmas. It all seems like business as usual for Barney and the team, but as the mission unfolds, and Barney remains in the pilot’s seat of their plane while his men battle the enemy on the ground, everything is about to change.”
Statham, in turn, remarks with evident reverence on the creative force that is Stallone. “Sly wrote, directed, and starred in the first film, and hired me and the rest of the cast, he pretty much created this world,” Statham reflects. “Sly is The Expendables; without him, I wouldn’t be here. Without his presence, creativity, and backbone, the team is nothing. He’s an incredible source of inspiration. My greatest days in the movie business have been around that man.”
Transcending the typical action movie, ‘Expend4bles’ is etched with the legacy of its predecessors, magnifying the essence of what makes an action movie timeless – the combination of strength, honor, and loyalty among warriors. Embarking on what may be their most perilous and personal journey yet, Barney, Christmas, and the team stand ready to face their adversaries and perhaps, to hand over the mantle to a new era of heroes.
Immerse yourself in the unmistakable Stallone magic and Statham swag as ‘Expend4bles’ launches into your home entertainment. The promise of thrills, spills, and an adrenaline punch that will leave audiences breathless is just a play-button away, exclusively on Lionsgate Play from January 5th. Make sure not to miss the action-packed trailer that serves as a prelude to the high-octane action awaiting fans and newcomers alike in this star-studded spectacle. Watch the trailer here, and prepare to be amazed by the undying spirit of The Expendables.
