Simon West took the directing reins from Sylvester Stallone for “The Expendables 2,” and the sequel helmer says that though an official confirmation has yet to be made, he’s confident a third installment of the hit action film will soon be on its way.
“I’m sure there will be [another film],” Simon told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson, when asked if there will be a third movie at “The Expendables 2” premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday. “How can there not be? I don’t think there are any plans yet, but it was just such a riot to shoot, and I think everybody had a good time and I think it’s turned out great.”
Adding, “We’ll see how it does, but I’m sure there will be a [third].”
Directing a league of legendary action stars (including Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger and UFC champ Randy Couture) had its fair share of difficulties as the veteran actors weren’t willing to give up performing their own stunts – though many of them have been in the business for upwards of two decades.
“There were a lot of aches and pains because they’ve done a lot of action movies and so, you know, they got through a lot of painkillers and a lot of ice packs because they still want to do their own stunts,” Simon said.
“Did you ever tell them, ‘Look, OK, it’s not 1980, alright? I don’t want you to do that stuff,’” Shaun asked.
“No, but you try telling Sly Stallone that he can’t go in there and throw a load of punches!” Simon replied. “[On a] few days he did turn into Rocky and it was quite breathtaking to see how fast and powerful he still is.”
While the director admits watching Sly get back in the ring was an impressive sight to behold, he was hesitant to say which actor on the “Expendables” roster is in “the best shape.”
“They’re all in incredible shape,” he said. “All [of] the crew [members] are really impressed because they still go to the gym and they’re still very strong, and as I said, they love to do their own stunts and that’s their passion.
“They’re action guys from that era and they still want to be action guys, so they’re all pretty fit,” he added.
“The Expendables 2” hits theaters on Friday.
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