Jean-Claude Van Damme has established a popular action star career with his blockbuster films since the late 1980s. Due to his tremendous acting capabilities, he was approached by Sylvester Stallone to feature in his star-studded franchise, The Expendables. However, the latter was unable to get him onboard initially and the fault lies entirely on the former.
Not only did he decline to star in the popular franchise, he even questioned the project’s success and went as far as to ask him why he was making the movie in the first place.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Initially Refused to Star in The Expendables
The Rambo actor, Sylvester Stallone went to Thailand to offer his fellow action star, Jean-Claude Van Damme, a role in the 2010 film, The Expendables but little did he know that the latter had no trust in the project.
In an interview with DuJour, Stallone recalled the time when he approached the latter for the role. He shared what the Kickboxer actor told him,
“Sly, I think you are above this. Why are you making this movie?”
To show his movie’s potential, he mentioned,
“I said, ‘Well, I think it’s financially sound, and it’s what we do, Jean-Claude.’ “
However, the former was hellbent on letting go of the opportunity and gave Sly a suggestion about his acting career.
“He goes, ‘I believe you are at the point in your life where you should play a priest in East L.A. helping young people.’”
Van Damme’s suggestion didn’t fit well with Stallone as he recalled responding, “I go, ‘A priest? Does he carry a gun?’ ” Eventually, the Rocky actor moved on with the film becoming a major success. The 62-year-old actor realized his mistake as the film $274 million worldwide. He ultimately signed on to play the lead villain, Vilain in the second installment which grossed over $310 million worldwide. Even renowned filmmaker, Clint Eastwood passed on the opportunity to star in the film.
Clint Eastwood Was Least Interested in Starring in The Expendables 3
After already making roars with two sequels, Stallone decided to approach Hollywood legend, Clint Eastwood for a role in the third installment of the action-flick.
In an interview with ExtraTV, he admitted being least interested in acting in the film. He further added that he had absolutely no idea of the franchise as he shared,
“I haven’t had the opportunity to see [ The Expendables ] yet. I haven’t read any material.”
But, it didn’t mean that he would let go of such a lucrative franchise. He threw in a suggestion to let him be part of the film from behind the camera, which he is quite skilled in.
“I’m probably more apt to direct something. Maybe I’ll direct Expendables 3 .”
Patrick Hughes eventually took on the directorial work for the third installment which grossed $214.7 million worldwide. Meanwhile, Expend4bles is set to release in the United States on September 22, 2023.