Entertainment
9 Franchise Characters Not Included In Expendables 4
The Expendables 4 brings together a fresh ensemble of action heroes, but several the franchise characters will not be returning.
The Expendables 4 is taking its team of franchise characters on a new mission, but not all of them will be back for the adventure. The franchise is much more self-aware than most action film series, paying tribute to ‘80s and ‘90s action films. It first film of the franchise debuted in 2010, the next was The Expendables 2 later in the same year. Due to the underperformance of The Expendables 3 in 2014, the series decided to go on a nine-year hiatus.
Directed by Scott Waugh, The Expendables 4 reunites key players from the franchise, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture. Joining the series as new additions are Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, 50 Cent, and Megan Fox. Nevertheless, some faces from The Expendables will not be reprising their roles in the fourth installment. See them below!
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Expendables 4 Release Date
The Expendables 4 is currently scheduled to be released on September 22, 2023
Actors who are not returning for expendables 4

Jet Li
Jet Li, known for his role as Yin Yang, was an integral part of The Expendables from its inception. However, as the series progressed, his character’s prominence diminished. In The Expendables 2, he made a brief appearance, and in The Expendables 3, his screen time was even shorter. The storyline established that Yin Yang had departed from the team to join the mercenary unit led by Trench Mauser, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yin Yang will not be returning for The Expendables 4.
Why Jet Li Is Not Returning For Expendables 4
Jet Li’s decision to step away from action movies and dedicate more time to his philanthropic pursuits. The actor has actively engaged with numerous charitable organizations, including his own foundation called The One Foundation.
Terry Crews
Terry Crews, known as Hale Caesar, was among the heavily armed Expendables for his impressive firepower, particularly his Canon rifle. Crews returned as Caesar in both The Expendables 2 and The Expendables 3, but he will not be making a comeback for The Expendables 4.
Why Terry Crews Is Not Returning For Expendables 4
The actor has openly shared the reasons behind his decision to part ways with the franchise. Crews revealed that he experienced pressure from a producer to drop a sexual assault case from his past. However, he remained resolute and unwavering, refusing to comply with such demands.
Antonio Banderas
In The Expendables 3, Barney Ross embarked on a mission to recruit new members, and one of the enthusiastic individuals eager to join the team was Antonio Banderas’ character, Galgo, a mercenary with a hilariously enthusiastic personality. Banderas brought a comedic and wholehearted commitment to his portrayal. Galgo’s presence in The Expendables 3 made him one of the memorable highlights, capturing the essence of the tribute to ’80s action movies. However, in The Expendables 4, it seems that Galgo will not be part of the cast.
Harrison Ford
Harrison Ford joined The Expendables franchise in The Expendables 3, taking on the role of Max Drummer, a new government liaison who replaced Bruce Willis’s character, Mr. Church. Ford’s performance as Max Drummer seamlessly integrated into the action-packed, he not only established a strong bond with the group but also contributed directly to their missions with his helicopter piloting skills. However, while Harrison Ford will reprise his iconic role as Indiana Jones in the upcoming film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, he will not be returning to The Expendables 4.
Kellan Lutz
Another absence in The Expendables 4 is Kellan Lutz. Recognized for his role in the Twilight series, Lutz has explored the action genre through films like Immortals and The Legend of Hercules. He has also taken on various other action roles, including a part in The Expendables 3. In this film, Lutz portrayed the character John Smilee, a young mercenary recruited by Barney Ross, who eventually earned a place among the main roster by the movie’s conclusion. However, Lutz will not be reprising his role in The Expendables 4.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s involvement in The Expendables franchise can be traced back to his time as the governor of California. Despite his political responsibilities, Schwarzenegger managed to film a cameo as Trench Mauser while still in office. As the franchise continued with The Expendables 2 and The Expendables 3, Schwarzenegger’s role as Trench grew more significant, showcasing his character alongside Sylvester Stallone’s Barney Ross in a dynamic that echoed the friendly rivalry between the two iconic actors in the ’80s and ’90s. However, fans will not see Schwarzenegger reprising the role of Trench in The Expendables 4. It appears that the actor’s focus has shifted towards various projects with Netflix, including his involvement in the series FUBAR.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey, a former MMA powerhouse, ventured into the world of action movies with consecutive appearances as Luna in The Expendables 3 and Kara in Furious 7. Rousey’s inclusion in these films showcased her MMA fighting skills and her ability to bring a gritty intensity to her roles. Her most recent film roles include 2018’s Mile 22 and a brief cameo in 2019’s Charlie’s Angels.
Why Ronda Rousey Is Not Returning For Expendables 4
It appears that Rousey’s dedication to her pro-wrestling career and her apparent reduced interest in movie roles could be the reason for her absence from The Expendables 4. Additionally, the cast of The Expendables 4 does not include any of the new characters introduced in the third installment.
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes became a part of The Expendables franchise later than originally intended. Initially, Sylvester Stallone offered him the role of Hale Caesar in the first movie, but Snipes had to decline due to the ongoing tax issues he was facing at the time. However, Snipes eventually joined The Expendables 3, where he portrayed the character, Doc Death. The film cleverly incorporated a playful joke referencing Snipes’ real-life legal troubles, alluding to “tax evasion” in a humorous manner. Despite Snipes’ portrayal of Doc Death in The Expendables 3, he will not be returning as well.
Glen Powell
Glen Powell played the character Thorn, a younger mercenary recruited by Barney, in The Expendables 3. Thorn’s wit and sarcasm were in line with his name, making him a co-leader alongside Barney. After his role in The Expendables 3, Powell went on to portray Hangman in the blockbuster action film Top Gun: Maverick, featuring Tom Cruise. However, despite Thorn and his teammates being officially welcomed into the team in The Expendables 3, they will not be returning for The Expendables 4.
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