First on Set Photos of Ripped Sylvester Stallone in ‘The Expendables’

Although derided at first, the Sylvester Stallone written and directed “The Expendables” is beginning to generate quite a frenzy on the Internet and in the media. Aside from the impressive cast, fans also want to know how the sexagenarian actor will handle such a physically demanding role – but they need not worry, as the latest photos from the set in Brazil can easily show.

A ripped Stallone was on set in Brazil, shooting the first scenes of “The Expendables” with co-star Jason Statham. According to reports in the British media, the actor stunned onlookers not only with his ripped torso, but also with his somewhat surprising refusal to have a professional stuntman do the most challenging sequences of the scene. Granted, it has been said, the stunt in itself was not that dangerous, but it did imply the veteran actor making a flying leap off a boat onto the pier.

“In one scene, Sly’s character runs along a pier brandishing a gun before diving dramatically off the end. Given the physical condition he’s in, perhaps it shouldn’t have been surprising that Stallone wanted to make the most of his body. Nonetheless, onlookers were amazed when the star rejected the services of a stuntman and decided to take the flying leap himself. He took a few tumbles but, after several gutsy attempts, the star got the shot right in the end.” the Daily Mail writes about the scene in question.

In the photos just made public, fans get confirmation that Stallone is, indeed, in his best shape ever, while also getting a sneak peek at how far he’s willing to go to make “The Expendables” the best action movie of 2010, when it’s set for release on April 23. Keeping in mind that he is, at the end of the day, an actor who is 62 years old, the kind of effort that Stallone is already putting into the film is truly commendable, it has been stressed.

“The Expendables” also stars British action star Jason Statham (as noted above), but also a host of other action stars such as Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger and, most recently, Danny “The Machete” Trejo. For more on the production, keep an eye on this space.