Despite being in The Expendables franchise for years, Sylvester Stallone couldn’t save his recent iteration from being bombed at the box office. Released on 22nd September 2023, The Expendables 4 turned into a box office catastrophe for the cast and crew, followed by a nightmare response.
This brings us to the time when Clint Eastwood was offered a role in The Expendables 3, but instead, he desired to direct the sequel. Right now, considering the unfortunate fate of The Expendables 4, it seems Eastwood might have saved the movie at the box office. So do you think Sylvester Stallone might consider the director’s offer?
Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 4 Created Nightmarish Record
Directed by Scott Waugh, the latest sequel from the action-packed The Expendables franchise was deemed to set a record at the box office. Returning with the titular mercenary team to stop World War III, the recent iteration was made with a $100M budget. But unfortunately, Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 4 has contributed to the worst box office weekend of 2023.
Earning abysmal reviews from critics The Expendables 4 has set an unwanted record for the renowned franchise. Becoming the lowest-rated movie in the series so far, the recent installment managed to land a mere 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite a star-studded cast featuring Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, with Megan Fox, the movie simply failed to perform.
Negatively setting a record, The Expendables 4 opening weekend came in at around $8.3 million, creating a new franchise low. With a plethora of factors serving for the film’s underperformance, Sylvester Stallone’s movie earned the worst box office frame of the whole year. This brings us to the time when Clint Eastwood was approached with a role in the 3rd installment, but he refused with a desire to direct.
Clint Eastwood Once Desired To Direct The Expendables 3
Considering Clint Eastwood’s filmography and talent in filmmaking, he probably could have saved Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 4 from its unfortunate fate. Previously asked to join the franchise as a star cast, Eastwood purposefully turned down the offer, as he wanted to direct the 3rd installment, instead.
During his interview with ExtraTV via Contact Music, the veteran filmmaker and actor discussed his desire to be a part of The Expendables franchise, but not as an actor. Clint Eastwood instead wanted to direct The Expendables 3. However, unfortunately, after turning down the offer to appear in the movie, Eastwood had to give up on his dream to direct the installment as well.
“I’m probably more apt to direct something. Maybe I’ll direct ‘Expendables 3’. I haven’t had the opportunity to see [‘The Expendables’] yet. I haven’t read any material.”
Right now witnessing the massive downfall of the franchise following the release of Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables 4, it seems like the right time to bring in Clint Eastwood. Popularly known for changing the landscape of the Western movie genre with Unforgiven, Eastwood could probably save the recent sequel from getting tanked at the box office.
The Expendables 4 is currently running in theatres.