Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables sold more U.S. tickets than director Simon West's sequel, but the latter outgrossed its predecessor worldwide (taking in $300 million) and earned stronger reviews. Hence, Expendables 3 is coming; not to mention, a women-on-a-mission flick that unites hot-shot female action stars - like Expendables brings together crusty machismo men, looking for another shot at screen glory - and a direct (comedic?) feminine spinoff titled ExpendaBelles.

Jackie Chan was approached to appear in Expendables 2, but was too busy at the time (as he admitted back at Comic-Con 2012). However, it appears the Hong Kong martial arts sensation/actor/filmmaker has found some room in his schedule - not just for Expendables 3, but possibly also Rush Hour 4 (more on that in a moment).

Here is what Chan said at a press conference for his next film, Chinese Zodiac:

"Sly had invited me to be in 'Expendables 2' but I was too busy filming 'CZ12' and couldn't make a commitment to the film. But he did extend his invitation to the third movie, which I agreed on the condition that I will be appearing as more than just a minor role with a few scenes."

The Expendables 3 script (which Stallone undoubtedly has a hand in writing) is currently being revised so that Chan will appear in a capacity similar to his buddy action/comedy franchise installments (Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, etc.). It sounds as though the original plan might've seen Chan to make a winking cameo, similar to Chuck Norris in Expendables 2; fortunately, Chan appears to be interested in something more substantial and (hopefully) satisfying than that.

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan in Rush Hour 3
Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan in 'Rush Hour 3'

Meanwhile, Chan is prepping for another Hollywood project tentatively titled Skip Tracer. It's the latest script to pair the 58-year old entertainer with "a counterpart from the West"; moreover, Chan feels there's a chance it could end up morphing into the fourth Rush Hour installment (though, he's not over-enthused about that prospect):

"The script is currently viewed by Chris Tucker. Personally, I feel that if he were to pick it up, it would be better if we turned it into "Rush Hour 4" but I do think that three movies for the franchise is a perfect ending. It would be better to start a new buddy movie with someone new."

Last we heard, producer Arthur Sarkissian was putting together a Rush Hour 4 that would reinvent the franchise from a genre perspective (much like Fast Five did for Fast and the Furious). However, judging by Chan's latest comments, it seems as though he's committed to the Skip Tracer script - and would only be inclined to tackle a fourth Rush Hour, should it incorporate elements from that screenplay (namely, those which Chan approves).

Screen Rant will keep you up-to-date on both The Expendables 3 and Rush Hour 4 as more information is released.

-

Source: Yahoo! Entertainment (Singapore)