SYLVESTER Stallone has reportedly walked away from The Expendables franchise.
Film news outlet Deadline reports that the 70-year-old Oscar nominated actor had opted out of a fourth instalment in the $800 million (£630 million) film series.
Sly’s decision to walk away means he is also turning away $20 million (£15.9 million) that he would have been paid up front to star in the film.
A break down in communication between the actor and film chief Avi Lerner is said to have contributed to Sly’s decision to quit the action flicks.
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Deadline claims the pair couldn’t agree on who should direct the fourth instalment and that they had differing views on the script.
However Avi has offered a glimmer of hope that a compromise could be met and a fourth film could yet happen.
“We’ve got disagreements with Sly, but we’ve had them for over a year and a half,” the American film producer said.
“Right now, each one has an opinion. We agreed on 95% of things, but there are certain things in production we don’t agree on,” he explained.
“I don’t think it’s over, but write whatever you want. In my opinion, it’s not dead,” he said.
The first Expendables film was released in 2010 written by Sly and screenwriter David Callaham.
The film starred Sly alongside a host of actions stars including Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Michey Rourke – making over £200 million at the box office.
A second instalment was released in 2012 with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Jean-Claude Van Damme joining the cast – making over £240 million.
The Expendables 3 was released in 2014 with Mel Gibson, Antonio Banderas and Wesley Snipes landing roles – and the film made over £170 million.
A fourth and final film had been pitched for a 2018 release.
In January, Sylvester took to Facebook to hint that the fourth film was going ahead as planned in a self-recorded video.
The video shows Stallone on a plane en route to Florida.
He states that he is visiting the US state to attend an event and also start working out for the new The Expendables.
He declares, “I’m going to start working out for the new Expendables. That’s going to be great, fingers crossed. We’re going to do our best but I think we’ve got some really great attitudes going. We’ve got great ideas. I think everyone’s expecting something different and we’re going to give it to them.”
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