The Expendables 4: Plot, Cast, and Everything Else We Know

An homage to the thrill-a-minute action movies of the 1980s and '90s, The Expendables 4 is following off the release of the previous entry in the franchise as another film packed with ride-or-die excitement and spectacle. From its cast to the crew to projected release windows, we know quite a few details about this film, and quite a bit we do not.

The Expendables 4 will be directed by Scott Waugh, best known for directing the 2012 war film Act of Valor alongside Mike McCoy. Waugh is the replacement for Patrick Hughes, who directed the third installment in The Expendables franchise and is known for the film The Hitman’s Bodyguard and its sequel, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Directors aside, the film’s screenplay was a joint effort between Spenser Cohen —who is also responsible for the film’s story — and Max Adams, who has worked with numerous film production studios throughout her career

On the side of production, The Expendables 4 is being handled by Lionsgate — also responsible for distribution — Millennium Films and Vértice Cine. The latter studio announced involvement back in August 2020. Following that year, principal photography for the film commenced in September 2021. By October 2021, Sylvester Stallone had announced via social media that he had finished shooting his portion of scenes for the film.

Let’s cover everything else we know so far about the movie.

The Expendables 4: The Plot

The Expendables 4: The Plot

Little is known of what The Expendable 4’s plot will contain, as details, both minor and major, have been kept close to the chests of anyone involved in the film’s production. All we’ve been given is a very brief synopsis of what forces Ross and his mercenary gang will square up against: an arms dealer who commands the might of a massive private army.

The arms dealer in question will most likely be played by Iwo Uwais. Whatever further details are unveiled, audiences should go in expecting a fare much like the previous entries in the franchise, that of an action-packed adventure where Ross and company set out to show some baddies what-for.

The Expendables 4 will feature actors familiar to the franchise and quite a few new faces. Like previously released films in the franchise, Sylvester Stallone’s character of Barney Ross will take center stage as the leader of The Expendables mercenary band. Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture will also be returning as key members of Ross’s entourage.

However, fans should be made aware that this is reportedly going to be Stallone’s final major contribution to The Expendables franchise. Born initially from collaborations between Stallone and screenwriter/producer David Callaham, these films will be left in the hands of Jason Statham, who will reportedly lead all future excursions for the battle-hardened gang.