The Expendables 4 news so far has promised a return to form for the bombastic franchise, but with some notable changes to freshen up the formula of Sylvester Stallone's celebration of the over-the-top 80s action movies that made him and his co-stars household names. The Expendables series began in 2010 with director, writer, and star Sylvester Stallone assembling a team of some of the biggest names in the action genre for a throwback romp about a team of elite mercenaries carrying out dangerous missions around the world. The team returned for two sequels in 2012 and 2014, but the franchise seemed to come to an end after that. However, after a lot of talk and promises, The Expendables 4 — officially titled EXPEN4BLES — is on the way.

The series has been led by Stallone as Barney Ross while his team of Expendables heroes has included Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and others. Notable action hero icons like Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Mel Gibson, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger have also made appearances in The Expendables franchise over the years. The Expendables 4 looks as though it will maintain the same basic action movie approach with some returning characters, some new faces, and an intriguing new direction. It remains to be seen if the long-awaited sequel will be one last ride for the franchise or a new beginning.

The Expendables 4: Latest News

The latest Expendables 4 news reveals the rating for the EXPEND4ABLES, and it will likely please a lot of fans of the franchise, while also coming as somewhat of a surprise given the direction the prior installment The Expendables 3 took. The Expendables 4 will be rated R for "strong/bloody violence throughout, language and sexual material." The first two installments of the franchise were rated R while The Expendables 3 held a PG-13 rating. Many felt this was a mistake as it felt as though they had watered down what was promised to be a throwback to rough and violent action movies of the 80s and 90s.

The return to an R-rating for The Expendables 4 is a wise move, and another hint that the franchise is trying some new things with EXPEND4ABLES. The inclusion of "sexual material" is a first for the franchise which has always focused more on the action and violence. The first trailer for The Expendables 4 showcases a sexually charged battle between Jason Statham and Megan Fox, which could be one of the scenes responsible for the new rating description. Sex was always a big part of action movies from the eras the Expendables movies are paying homage to, so it will be interesting to see how the franchise incorporates it into the new movie while keeping the tone in-keeping with modern sensibilities.

The Expendables 4 Release Date

The Expendables 4 release date is set for September 22, 2023. Following several delays and false starts, the movie was finally confirmed to be happening, and filming wrapped in late 2021. The movie is reportedly planned as the beginning of a new trilogy, taking the franchise in a new direction after rumors of a female Expendables spinoff.

The Expendables 4 Cast: Who Is Back & Who Is New?

The Expendables 4 cast is obviously one of the biggest questions about the sequel, as it is exciting seeing which action stars will be joining the franchise for the new movie. Stallone will once again return as Barney Ross, the leader of the team. However, Stallone has confirmed that he will have a smaller role in EXPEND4ABLES, with Statham serving as the main focus as Lee Christmas. Other returning cast members from the original Expendables team are Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture. Among the franchise regulars who will not be returning for this fourth movie are Terry Crews, Jet Li, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, all of whom had reduced roles in the third movie.

Some new famous faces are also coming aboard for The Expendables 4, including Transformers franchise veteran Megan Fox who appears to be playing a member of the team with romantic ties to Statham's Christmas. Rapper/actor Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is also onboard as the new member of the team, and Thai martial arts legend Tony Jaa. Perhaps the most interesting new addition is The Raid's Iko Uwais, who's set to play the primary villain. The cast also includes Oscar-nominee Andy Garcia as the operative who brings the plan to the Expendables while also joining them on the mission while Levy Tran, and Jacob Scipio play other members of the team.

Related: The Expendables 4's Cast & Character Guide

The Expendables 4 Story: What Could Happen?

The Expendables 4 story looks to take the franchise in an interesting direction that should make for a fun new approach to things. The trailer reveals the sequel will involve a mission to stop terrorists who have stolen nuclear weapons. It's also been confirmed that Statham's Lee Christmas will be the lead character, with Stallone making his final appearance as Barney Ross. Whether that means Stallone's Ross will be killed off or get to triumphantly ride off into the sunset remains to be seen. However, with Stallone taking a backseat in EXPEND4BLES, there are some intriguing possibilities about Lee dealing with taking over as the team leader and possibly having to avenge his fallen friend.

The Expendables 4: Trailer

The first Expendables 4 trailer debuted on June 7, 2023, giving a glimpse at the action-packed return of the franchise. The trailer immediately puts Statham's Lee Christmas front and center as he squares of with Megan Fox's character in a sexually charged fight. In fact, it is not until Stallone's Barney Ross enters that it becomes apparent this in an Expendables movie. Things quickly pick up with Andy Garcia's mysterious handler detailing the high-stakes mission which sets up the action footage fans will surely be looking for. It is notable that Stallone has a noticeably small role in the footage, perhaps adding to the speculation that Barney Ross will be taking a backseat in The Expendables 4 early on in the narrative.