Ever since The Expendables hit the big screen in 2010, a sequel to the blockbuster hit seemed inevitable. We previously announced that surviving members of the original Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis would be returning (with Schwarzenegger and Willis set to play larger roles) and you may have noticed that Jet Li was not included on that list. Now it seems that that exclusion was for good reason with reports indicating Li has decided against returning. No specific reasons given but presumably it clashes with his schedule.
Li‘s appearance in the first movie was vital in helping to make it a success in Asia so it’s not surprising that the makers have contacted another of Hong Kong Cinema’s finest. Donnie Yen (star of such eastern hits as Ip Man and Bodyguards & Assassins) has been approached by producer Avi Lerner with the intention of giving him a major role in the sequel. Yen is said to be interested but will wait to read the script and see if it interests him before deciding to sign on.
Yen has become one of the biggest stars in Asia but, like so many other of his east Asian counterparts, has yet to prove himself in America although he has made the odd appearance in Hollywood before. Should he decide to take the role, he will no doubt make himself a lot of money but it would certainly not be unreasonable to suggest his talents could be put to better use elsewhere.
The Expendables 2 starts shooting in Bulgaria in October and is set for release on August 17th 2012. One can also check out our Cannes interview with Yen and director Peter Chan for Wu Xia.
Are you disappointed that Jet Li has left? Do you think Donnie Yen will make a good replacement?