'The Expendables 4' will return to R-Rated after a disappointing PG-13 performance
It was a debated decision amongst fans of the franchise to release The Expendables 3 as PG-13. It now looks like The Expendables 4 will return to its R-Rated classification, says Sylvester Stallone.
The reason behind this decision was two-fold. First, R-Rated movies allow the filmmakers to stay true to the subject matter. We're watching action heroes blow up buildings and killing bad guys. It's a violent world that these heroes live in, we don't want to see watered down versions. So, in that sense, it totally makes sense to return this franchise back to R-Rated.
Secondly, The Expendables 3 seemed to alienate its hardcore fanbase. Granted, this franchise seems to be on its last legs and surely the fourth movie is the last one they can squeeze out. But freezing out your loyal fans just because you want to appeal to a broader audience wasn't a smart decision and is one of the key contributors as to why The Expendables 3 didn't perform well at the box office. The leak of the movie online didn't help matters, but releasing a PG-13, audience friendly movie wasn't a great selling point.
So taking into consideration those two negatives, the producers have decide to revert back to the R-Rated classification. Star Sylvester Stallone understands the decision. He says the attempt to broaden the series’ appeal was 'a horrible miscalculation.' Stallone said, "I believe it was a horrible miscalculation on everyone’s part in trying to reach a wider audience, but in doing so, diminish the violence that the audience expects. I’m quite certain it won’t happen again."
A fourth film seems inevitable, but an official announcement has yet to be made. Stallone was asked about possible ideas, one being them returning to WWII, "I have actually entertained the idea." said Stallone. "Putting the group into such an unnatural environment creates extra suspense and tension: the 'fish out of water' scenario. That environment might not be time travel, but nearly just as jarring."
The Expendables 3 is released on DVD and Blu-ray on the 25th November 2014.
