Sylvester Stallone has made a grand return to the silver screen, marking what seems to be the final chapter of his iconic action-packed saga, the Expendables franchise. However, the reception of the latest installment has been far from celebratory. With a colossal production budget of $100 million, this star-studded spectacle was expected to soar to new heights, but it appears to be heading in the opposite direction, potentially becoming a colossal misstep in the series.

Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone

As the curtains rise on Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables 4, a resounding chorus of disappointment and critique reverberates not only among discerning critics but also fervent fans of the franchise. What unfolds is not merely a setback for Stallone’s illustrious career but also a blemish on the hallowed legacy of a franchise that once epitomized the zenith of action cinema. Acknowledging the delicate position in which the Expendables series now finds itself, Les Weldon, the mastermind behind Expendables 4‘s production, has placed the destiny of the franchise squarely in the hands of its unwavering fanbase.

Sylvester Stallone’s Career Setback in Expandables Franchise

Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone

Despite the star power of Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham, it appears that Expendables 4 couldn’t escape the clutches of a disappointing debut at the box office. The fourth installment of this action-packed franchise suffered its worst opening weekend, leaving industry experts and fans in a state of disbelief. The film boasted an ensemble cast of several popular names, including the formidable duo of Stallone and Statham, alongside Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, Megan Fox, and Dolph Lundgren, all of whom were expected to inject fresh life into the series.

Also Read: Expendables Spinoff is Happening: Sylvester Stallone Confirms

However, the stark reality is that audiences seemed to have lost their enthusiasm for the Expendables franchise long before the release of Expendables 4. After the lukewarm response and negative reviews of 2014’s The Expendables 3, the franchise saw declining box office returns. The Expendables, in 2010, opened with nearly $35 million, while its 2012 sequel, The Expendables 2, garnered approximately $28.5 million. The Expendables 3 continued the downward trend, with just $15.8 million in its opening weekend.

Critics pointed to Sylvester Stallone’s diminishing role in the franchise, seen as tired and formulaic. As a central figure in the Expendables series, Stallone’s involvement became a focal point of disappointment. The lackluster performance of Expendables 4 now marks a major setback in Stallone’s career, standing as one of his most significant flops. The once-iconic Expendables franchise, which once defined an era of action cinema, seems to have lost its appeal to modern audiences.

Also Read: Sylvester Stallone Was Working On Expendables 4 During Dinner!

Expendables 4 Failed to Ignite the Box Office Numbers

Expandables 4
Expandables 4

Expendables movies have often been celebrated for their ability to capture the spirit of 80s action cinema, providing a nostalgic throwback to an era of explosive thrills and charismatic action stars. the most recent addition to the franchise, Expendables 4, which was produced with a substantial budget of $100 million, failed to live up to the expectations set by its predecessors. Expendables 4 debuted with a dismal opening weekend, earning just $8.3 million, with an opening day of only $3.2 million.

This marked the lowest-ever opening in the Expendables franchise, reflecting a significant decline in audience interest. The critical reception of the film didn’t help matters either, as Expendables 4 received some of the worst reviews when compared to its predecessors. Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the film’s failure was its inability to come close to breaking even financially.

With a budget of $100 million, the film would have needed to earn between $250 million and $300 million worldwide to cover its production and marketing costs. However, with a meager worldwide box office total of approximately $36.4 million, it fell woefully short of this mark. In the end, Expendables 4 serves as a stark reminder that even a franchise rooted in nostalgia and featuring beloved action stars cannot guarantee success if not executed effectively.

Expendables 4 is in theatres now.

Also Read: Expendables 4 Cast Suggests The Essence of Martial Arts

Source: Movieweb

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