Mel Gibson and Antonio Bandera have joined Lionsgate’s “The Expendables 3.”
Sylvester Stallone first revealed the possibility of both the castings weeks ago via his Twitter account. “Mad Max Vs. Barney Ross,” Stallone Tweeted, using a reference of Gibson’s famous action hero character to hint that he would be the villain in this franchise. He later teased Banderas with “Antonio B? Could be.”
Stallone disclosed on Wednesday that Harrison Ford would replace Bruce Willis in the film — even going so far as to insult his former co-star.
SEE ALSO: Sylvester Stallone Calls Bruce Willis ‘Greedy and Lazy’ on Twitter
Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer discussed the castings during Friday’s earnings call with analysts, noting that production will start soon.
“These deals are being negotiated up to the last day,” he said. “The franchise is going to have a lot of new and exciting blood in it.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Kellan Lutz, Ronda Rousey and Victor Ortiz have also committed to the sequel, due to be released Aug. 15, 2014.
The previous two “Expendables” ensemble actioners were released by Lionsgate in mid-August in 2010 and 2012 and have combined for $575 million worldwide.
Stallone announced earlier this year that Australian director Patrick Hughes would direct the third film, produced by Millennium Films. Stallone directed the first film and Simon West helmed the second.
