14 DAY TRIAL // Sylvester Stallone did the unthinkable with “The Expendables” last year, managing to put out a film that he wrote, directed and starred in and that actually became a hit at the box office. Word has it he may be looking to get another director to helm the sequel.
As far as official word goes, fans know only that Sly is working on a sequel and that production is scheduled to begin later this year.
Speculation has it that most of the original cast will return (including a character who died in the first film), and that new faces will be brought on board the insane macho trip that will be the sequel.
It is believed that Sly handled the script and will also be playing the lead, just like he did in the original film. As such, he may be having too much on his plate, for which reason he’s looking for a new director.
A piece in Entertainment Weekly says, citing ongoing reports, that Stallone has been in the market for a director for the sequel, but confirmation from the star himself is still pending.
“Sylvester Stallone, whose throwback action film, The Expendables, was his biggest hit in 25 years, is in talks with other directors to shoot the sequel, according to the Los Angeles Times,” EW says.
“Stallone, who directed, co-wrote, and starred in the original, is currently developing the followup’s script from writers David Ogosto and Ken Kaufman (Space Cowboys),” the e-zine further says.
Stallone is mum on the subject and, knowing how hard he tried to keep details of the film under wraps the first time around, chances are he won’t be saying much either in the weeks to come.
Nevertheless, if the above is accurate and he’s no longer involved in the project as director, a replacement should be announced soon.
Also on “The Expendables” topic, the other day, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed a long list of movie offers he’s been getting for his comeback – and “Expendables 2” was not even mentioned, which could mean that he’s not reprising his role.