The Expendables was a major movie office hit in 2010, establishing a successful action series and attracting a following of fans. Naturally, The Expendables 2 and 3 were commissioned and released promptly, in 2012 and 2014, respectively. According to the LA Times, the second film was just as highly received as the first, while the third eventually underperformed. According to The Atlantic, which called the picture “dumb” and “complex,” there were a variety of reasons for this, but undoubtedly one of the most significant was the change in rating from R to PG-13.
The Expendables 4 will be released in theatres nearly a decade later. It’s taken a long time, and fans are both excited and nervous to see the latest episode of the saga. The film’s production has reportedly been delayed, and nothing is known about the plot. Regardless, here are the things the long-awaited sequel must nail this time.
The Script Needs to be Right
The script is one of the most critical aspects of the future film to get right. The writing for The Expendables 3 didn’t feel like it matched with the prior films in the franchise, which was one of the film’s biggest flaws. Indeed, there were whispers during the last film’s development that modifications would be made on the day of filming, forcing the cast to adjust rapidly, resulting in an incoherent final vision and an intrinsic alienation between actor and director. It’s not uncommon for scripts to alter on a daily basis, especially for big-budget films, but a lack of direction damages any film in the end.
For the best outcomes, The Expendables 4’s script, like the first two films in the franchise, should be kept basic and character-driven. The Expendables and The Expendables 2 were initially successful because to their character-driven narratives, which created tension and allowed viewers to better understand the characters.
The Cast is Key
Having a solid cast is another important aspect of making The Expendables 4 a success. Many of the original cast members, including Sylvester Stallone, have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming instalment of the franchise. Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Wesley Snipes, and Antonio Banderas are among the other actors confirmed to return. It’s critical that the cast be fully fleshed out, with the new entrants receiving the same level of attention as the returning cast members.
Currently, Jason Statham is the most bankable star of the bunch; but, we’ve seen with sequels that changing the core character makes for a more intriguing film, so this might be done to fill out more of the vast ensemble cast. It also makes sense to allow for the development of new cast members so that the franchise remains current and fresh.
The Visual Effects Should be Right
Too much reliance on GCI is one way that films can fall short in the modern day. Previous films may have employed more than was necessary, which appeared forced and detracted from the film’s overall mood. If done correctly, this can be a win-win situation. However, it frequently becomes the film’s dominant focus, resulting in a reduction in total substance, which should be avoided in this addition.
The stakes in The Expendables 4 should also be raised so that the major protagonists seem more expendable. With each subsequent instalment, the series’ circumstances became increasingly comfortable, and the risk component for the main characters mostly vanished, effectively removing the franchise’s core concept. This should be intensified and audiences should feel more terrified for the characters if audiences are to be kept on their toes. This might be explored further with the usage of visual effects in a non-cheap manner.
