Hold on tight, action fans! An $855 million juggernaut starring some of Hollywood's biggest names is making a comeback on streaming platforms, proving that old-school action never really dies. We're talking about The Expendables, and its unexpected resurgence on Pluto TV is turning heads. But what makes this film, packed with explosions and testosterone, so enduringly popular? Let's dive in!
Image via Lionsgate
Published just hours ago, this is making waves online.
The Expendables, the film that launched a franchise, owes much of its success to scene-stealing performances. While the film boasts an ensemble cast of action legends like Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren, it was Bruce Willis's enigmatic portrayal of Mr. Church and Jason Statham's portrayal of the deadly Lee Christmas that truly captivated audiences. These performances helped propel The Expendables to box office glory, raking in $274 million and paving the way for a series of sequels. Collectively, the Expendables franchise has grossed over $855 million worldwide, a testament to its global appeal. And now, you can catch the original, along with the first three installments, for free on Pluto TV!
The original Expendables film, released in 2010, is currently riding high in the top 10 streaming movies on Pluto TV. It capitalized on the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s action era, bringing together a dream team of iconic action stars. But here's where it gets controversial... While the star power was undeniable, critics often pointed out the film's rather thin plot. Yet, the combination of over-the-top action sequences and humorous banter proved irresistible to moviegoers, making it a commercial success.
Willis returned for The Expendables 2, further solidifying the franchise. Statham, however, remained a constant, appearing as Lee Christmas in all four films. The second installment even surpassed the original at the box office, earning a staggering $300 million globally. The Expendables 3 saw a slight dip but still pulled in a respectable $217 million.
And this is the part most people miss... The franchise's trajectory took a sharp turn with The Expend4bles. Released in 2023, the fourth film faced harsh criticism and a significant drop in box office earnings, making only $51 million against a $100 million budget. It was, by all accounts, a box office disaster. Dolph Lundgren even admitted that the project had issues from the start, citing a weak script and the limited involvement of Sylvester Stallone as key factors. "I didn't read the reviews, because I kind of knew what they were gonna say," Lundgren confessed. "That project had issues from the beginning, and it usually starts with the script, it really didn't really have a good script... I know Stallone wasn't involved, like he usually is... but he wasn't involved, so I think the problem was with the script, and then the director was replaced, like, a month before shooting."
Even before The Expend4bles' failure, the future of the franchise was uncertain. Plans for a television spinoff and a female-led spinoff movie titled The Expendabelles never materialized. The latter, slated for a 2015 shoot, was ultimately shelved. After the dismal performance of the fourth film, it's unlikely we'll see another Expendables movie anytime soon. This decline poses a crucial question: Can a franchise truly recover from such a significant misstep, or is it better to let it rest?
However, despite the franchise's recent struggles, the original Expendables film retains its nostalgic charm. In retrospect, it's also hard not to feel a sense of sentimentality, knowing that it represents one of the final chapters in Bruce Willis's illustrious career, especially given his subsequent retirement due to health issues. The Expendables, The Expendables 2, and The Expendables 3 are available to stream for free on Pluto TV. Those three films, as well as The Expend4bles are also streaming on Peacock.
What do you think? Did The Expendables deserve its initial success, or was it just a product of nostalgia and star power? And more importantly, should the franchise be resurrected, or is it time to let these action heroes ride off into the sunset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Release Date: August 13, 2010
Runtime: 103 minutes
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Starring:
* Mickey Rourke
* Steve Austin
