“The Expendables 5” (2025): The Legendary Action Squad Returns
After a long absence and an unsatisfactory fourth film, “The Expendables” – the legendary action series featuring Hollywood’s top muscle stars – is set to return in a promising fifth installment. With a combination of veteran names and a new generation, “The Expendables 5” is expected to bring the franchise back to the top.
Resurrected from the ashes: Is part 5 worthy of a comeback?
When Expend4bles was released in 2023, the film received mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. The script lacked depth, the characters were bland, and the shift to a younger cast caused the “soul” of the series to fade. However, “The Expendables 5” is being built as a serious “redemption” – returning to the roots of the franchise: a veteran team fighting not for money but for honor and brotherhood.
Plot: Final mission or new beginning?
Part 5 is set after the chaotic events of the previous part. Barney Ross – the spirit of the group – is said to have “retired”, but an unexpected event brings him and the whole team back into the game.
An important character, the son of a former teammate, is kidnapped by a private mercenary corporation involved in the trade of biological weapons. The Expendables team reunites, this time not only to rescue but also to prevent a global crisis that is quietly exploding.
This time the story is darker, with more elements of espionage, betrayal and difficult moral choices – things that the previous series has not explored deeply. This is not just a war of bullets and muscles, but also a battle with the past, with the honor and survival of a group of people once considered “invincible monsters”.
Cast: The intersection of old and new
“The Expendables 5” cannot be without veteran faces:
Jason Statham (Lee Christmas) will play a central role, almost becoming the new leader of the team.
Sylvester Stallone (Barney Ross), despite announcing his “retreat” in the previous part, is said to return in a key role – possibly as a behind-the-scenes leader or in a final mission.
Dolph Lundgren (Gunner Jensen), Randy Couture (Toll Road), and Tony Jaa will also continue to appear.
In particular, there are rumors about the participation of Iko Uwais, Donnie Yen, or Scott Adkins – names with a top-notch close-combat style – to refresh the action style of the film.
In addition, some young faces may be introduced to expand the “Expendables” universe, but will not replace the predecessors – a lesson that the crew learned from the failure of part 4.
Action, explosions and what the audience expects
There will still be large-scale explosions, fiery gunfights, high-speed chases and punches. However, according to the director, this film will return to the “gritty realism” style – realistic, bloody and full of classic cinema.
Audiences can also expect elaborately staged close-combat fights, inspired by Asian action movies. This is not only to refresh but also to elevate the series, which has been criticized for being “too monotonous in fighting style”.
Release date and commercial prospects
“The Expendables 5” is currently in pre-production and is expected to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. The film is produced by Millennium Media and Lionsgate, still keeping the “hard R-rated” style – no compromise with violence and blood.
Although there is no official trailer yet, the first behind-the-scenes images and hints from Stallone and Statham on social networks have made the fan community extremely excited.
If this part is successful, it could be a springboard to expand the “Expendables” universe into spin-off projects, even television series.
Conclusion: The Return of the Ageless Legends
“The Expendables 5” is not only an extension of a franchise, but also an affirmation: old-fashioned action still has a place in the modern cinematic era. With a combination of classic action style, legendary cast and a seriously invested plot, the film is expected to bring a satisfying cinematic experience – where bullets fly, muscles and camaraderie shine together.
"Old soldiers never die. They just reload."
And Expendables 5 will prove it once again.
