The Expendables franchise, which began in 2010, has faced significant challenges, particularly with the transition from Sylvester Stallone to Jason Statham as the lead. The fourth installment, titled Expend4bles, has been met with a disappointing reception, achieving only a 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have noted that Stallone's absence and the introduction of less prominent actors, such as 50 Cent and Megan Fox, contributed to the film's struggles.
Key Points:
Franchise Background: The Expendables is known for its star studded cast and intense action, initially drawing audiences with its unique appeal.
Transition Challenges: Stallone's decision to step back from the lead role has created an uphill battle for the franchise, as fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the new direction.
Critical Reception: Expend4bles has been criticized for its weak script and lack of engaging character development, leading to its poor performance both critically and at the box office.
Overall, the attempt to pass the torch to Statham has not resonated well with audiences, marking a challenging period for the franchise.