Mickey Rourke Is Out of 'Expendables 2'

Just as fans were getting excited about all the big names that will be featured in the upcoming “Expendables 2,” word is out that Mickey Rourke is no longer involved. The circumstances of his departure are unknown.

Slash Film notes that it's very peculiar the actor won't return to the small but pivotal part he played in the original film, adding that several other voices online are saying the same.

Nevertheless, Rourke is not coming back, as the official synopsis for the film clearly states.

“The Expendables are back and this time it’s personal! After Tool (Mickey Rourke), the heart and soul of the Expendables, is brutally murdered on a mission, his comrades swear to avenge him. They’re not the only ones who want blood,” the synopsis says.

However, Tool will still be very much present – through his daughter, who promises to avenge his death.

She “complicat[es] matters when she is captured and ransomed by a ruthless dictator plotting to destroy a resistance movement. Now Barney and the Expendables must risk everything to save her and humanity,” the synopsis says.

“Expendables 2” is no longer directed or penned by Sylvester Stallone but promises to make up for that with the impressive number of stellar appearances.

It will be out in theaters in the summer of 2012.