At the cusp of a fifth decade of action-movie mayhem, Sylvester
Stallone says his No. 1 opening with "The Expendables" ranks among his
top career thrills. The mercenary thriller earned an estimated $35
million during its first three days of release in North America.
SO "THE EXPENDABLES" OPENED BIGGER THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU HAVE DIRECTED. IT SEEMS YOU'RE STILL SETTING PERSONAL BESTS.
Stallone: I didn't do this all by myself. It was a movie about teamwork,
and the team helped make it a success. I always say that if you are a
star -- even a faded star -- the light never goes out. You just need to
rekindle it.
HAVE YOU WRITTEN A SCRIPT FOR A SEQUEL TO "THE EXPENDABLES"?
Stallone: It's plotted out in my mind's eye. I believe this group has to
continue to evolve; it just can't become the same people. So how do you
get new people introduced into the group, and how do you have some of
the other people leaving? Those are the challenges.
SO THE CHALLENGES REMAIN, EH?
Stallone: My proudest moment ever was not "Rocky," it was the last Rocky
picture, "Rocky Balboa." To be able to meet the challenge of completing
that series after all these years, that was great. But this one here
tops that -- not in an emotional way but for excitement. This should
have never happened. (Producer) Avi Lerner really took a big gamble on
me with this when nobody else would. I know because I heard about it
every day! He kept worrying about the reviews.
"THE EXPENDABLES" WAS NEVER GOING TO BE A CRITICAL DARLING.
Stallone: Most action films tend to rub people the wrong way. This is
not to disparage critics, but the more physical and brutal an action
film is, the least well it is received. It's actually a barometer I use.
That, and how many times I hurt myself.
THINGS TURNED OUT WELL ENOUGH THOUGH.
Stallone: I never thought we would win this weekend, as we were up
against some tough competition. I told Lionsgate and (CEO) Jon
Feltheimer and Avi that I'm so grateful how those guys just dug in.
Lionsgate hung tough and opened the purses. The campaign worked because
it was honest. What you saw in the campaign was what you got. This movie
is pure escapism. You just buckle up and enjoy a rocket ship ride down
memory lane.