Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables sold more U.S. tickets than director Simon West’s sequel, but the latter outgrossed its predecessor worldwide (taking in $300 million) and earned stronger reviews. Hence, Expendables 3 is coming; not to mention, a women-on-a-mission flick that unites hot-shot female action stars – like Expendables brings together crusty machismo men, looking for another shot at screen glory – and a direct (comedic?) feminine spinoff titled ExpendaBelles.
Jackie Chan was approached to appear in Expendables 2, but was too busy at the time (as he admitted back at Comic-Con 2012). However, it appears the Hong Kong martial arts sensation/actor/filmmaker has found some room in his schedule – not just for Expendables 3, but possibly also Rush Hour 4 (more on that in a moment).
Here is what Chan said at a press conference for his next film, Chinese Zodiac:
“Sly had invited me to be in ‘Expendables 2’ but I was too busy filming ‘CZ12’ and couldn’t make a commitment to the film. But he did extend his invitation to the third movie, which I agreed on the condition that I will be appearing as more than just a minor role with a few scenes.”
The Expendables 3 script (which Stallone undoubtedly has a hand in writing) is currently being revised so that Chan will appear in a capacity similar to his buddy action/comedy franchise installments (Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, etc.). It sounds as though the original plan might’ve seen Chan to make a winking cameo, similar to Chuck Norris in Expendables 2; fortunately, Chan appears to be interested in something more substantial and (hopefully) satisfying than that.
Meanwhile, Chan is prepping for another Hollywood project tentatively titled Skip Tracer. It’s the latest script to pair the 58-year old entertainer with “a counterpart from the West”; moreover, Chan feels there’s a chance it could end up morphing into the fourth Rush Hour installment (though, he’s not over-enthused about that prospect):
“The script is currently viewed by Chris Tucker. Personally, I feel that if he were to pick it up, it would be better if we turned it into “Rush Hour 4″ but I do think that three movies for the franchise is a perfect ending. It would be better to start a new buddy movie with someone new.”
Last we heard, producer Arthur Sarkissian was putting together a Rush Hour 4 that would reinvent the franchise from a genre perspective (much like Fast Five did for Fast and the Furious). However, judging by Chan’s latest comments, it seems as though he’s committed to the Skip Tracer script – and would only be inclined to tackle a fourth Rush Hour, should it incorporate elements from that screenplay (namely, those which Chan approves).
Screen Rant will keep you up-to-date on both The Expendables 3 and Rush Hour 4 as more information is released.
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