Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’
Feb 11, 2009 by Ross MillerIf Sylvester Stallone hunting down all of these action stars, past and present, including Jet Li, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture to …
If Sylvester Stallone hunting down all of these action stars, past and present, including Jet Li, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture to star in his upcoming action film The Expendables wasn’t enough, it appears that he had interest in bringing Jean-Claude Van Damme on-board as well.
However, in an interview with TotalFilm Van Damme revealed that he has turned down a starring role in the film because he says that Stallone was only interested in “pitching money and action.”
Here’s what he had to say:
“Stallone gave me a part in his next movie,” he [Van Damme] told us. “But I ask him about the subject, about the story.”
“He said, ‘You’re gonna make lots of money.’ I don’t want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character. He was unable to tell what it’s going to be.”
“[Stallone said:] ‘You know, uh, well, the fighting will be good.’ [So I said:] ‘Sly, what is my character?’ So I didn’t do the movie.”
I’m in kind of two minds about this one: On the one hand I don’t like the fact that Stallone repeatedly said that a lot of money will be made (which I think it will for the type of movie that it is, anyway), and seemed to be using that as the biggest incentive for Van Damme. With the cast that’s been assembled, along with those that were sought after but nothing more (such as Sandra Bullock), I was hoping that this would be a passion project for Stallone in particular. I’m not saying it still isn’t… After all he’s directing, writing and starring in it – but with those statements about money it makes it look like he’s hoping above all to make a quick buck.
However on the other hand what did Van Damme expect when he was offered a role? A deep, emotional, thought-provoking Oscar winner? With a bold name like The Expendables and a cast full of past and present action stars why did he expect it to be primarily about anything other than the action?
Maybe we’re seeing Van Damme turn a corner – since his JCVD a different side to the action movie legend has been shown. Maybe he doesn’t want to just make money now, maybe he wants to pursue other, perhaps more serious, avenues.
Overall though, I’m disappointed that Van Damme won’t be in the film, simply because it would’ve added another rung to what is shaping up to be a kick-ass action ladder.
But what’s your opinion? Do you think Van Damme should have accepted the role to be part of this awesome cast of fellow action stars or was he right for turning it down?
The Expendables is set to start shooting sometime next month.
Source: Total Film
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He should’ve taken the money. What else has he got going for him right now? Besides it would make the movie all the more cooler with him in it as well.
I agree the movie would have been more entertaining, but his reasoning is sound and simple if you’ve seen JCVD.
His all-money-and-action movies were used against him pretty heavily, it seems.
Rev
Let’s see… Make A LOT OF MONEY!, doing this film or stay in the happy hell of direct to DVD movies? great choice Van Damme,great choice.
well, if we take Van Damme’s word on it then at least we must admire the guy to try and take the high road than the easy one with The Expendables.
Wow I’m surprised at all the money obsessed people… there are other things in life ya know? I’m so glad it seems he has more principles than some of you.
Personally I hate it when movies are made to just make a bunch of money. The great ones make the money because of what they put into the movie… gotta love Jean!
Such horrible news,
This is being made purely to bring in cash – hence the inappropriate pg-13 rating instead of an R-rating.
Some actors just wanna make money but Jean-Claude Van Damme wanna make his fans happy. I respect you, Van Damme.
Rofl Van Damme was clearly never concerned about character before if what he is saying is true he has turned a huge corner as an actor sadly way to late in his career to really matter. He isn’t that talented to be turning down roles because they aren’t deep enough.
ive read the script….its actually a really good script…Van damme is talking BS…I doubt this is just for $$
why else would guys like Forest whitaker, ben kingsley, mickey rourke sign on?? do they usually sign onto movies for a quick buck?
Mike,
I think he was talking about his character specifically, not the plot in general.
Rev
@Mike
It sounds like Stallone didn’t show him the script but wanted him to come onboard sight unseen.
Then again, how about just saying “Hey, can I take a look at the script before I decide?”
Vic
Vics point is valid.
But if Sly really didnt tell him who his character was going to be then I understand why he turned it down.
My bet is Stallone approached Van Damme real early in the development process.
Why didn’t Stallone call him back when he knew the answer? lol
I believe van damme rushed up in taking such a decision….i mean for gods sake,great actors such as whitacker or ben kingsley agreed on participating in the movie…who does van damme think he is???
whether he admits it or not,this was a good oppurtunity for him to get back…
ANYWAY TO BE HONEST IM NOT SAD THAT HE WONT BE IN THIS MOVIE CAUSE I REALLY DONT LIKE HIM!!!STALLONE IS ENOUGH…..
some of you say that this movie has really great actors like whitaker, kingsley… but then Randy couture is on the list.
Randy did a good job with Redbelt, not so with Scorpion King 2 but that is understandable.
Right directors can influence any actor, good or bad. Halle Berry is a great example!
I think it’s okay if he wont be in the movie. Dont think there’s enough screentime for all the big stars anyway
one second I’m looking for the line of directors that want to hire Van Dumb WOW there isn’t one unless someone wants to make a no retreat no surrender 2 I don’t see this numb nuts working anytime soon what a moron
So he turned down a role in a potentially big film because he has ethics now. Hmmmmm – when did that start – after the last fall off the wagon? Puh-lease – man who are you trying to kid?.LOL!!!!!!
I remember reading years ago that Sly, Swartzeneger (yeah, you try to spell his name
) and Van Damme were part of some group that pushed their bodies to the limit. While reading this, I was just wondering if Sly was offering him this as a friend, so that Van Damme can make some cash. Ross, Vic, or anyone, do you know if Van Damme is suffering financially?
I’m sorry… but wasn’t Van Damme in Street Fighter..?!!? Uh… if you still want a acting career, how could you ever turn down a film after that?
I’m glad Van Damme skipped this movie. His action scenes aren’t what they used to be, so I say let the ones that can really deliver do the action. Plus it opens a role for someone new, possibly Scott Adkins, that would be awesome. If Van Damme wants to do serious acting, then he made the right choice.
JCVD just didn’t want to look like lame beside the likes of Jet Li, you know? A REAL martial artist. His whole reasoning is BS. I guess if the role is the on the level of “Double Team” with co-stars like Dennis Rodman, then it’s just not good enough for him. LOL. Well, folks, JCVD’s next roll is… Drumroll please: Universal Solider 3.
This reminds me of the time Gene Simmons asked Andrew Dice Clay what his movie was “trying to be.”
It would have been cool if he excepted the role, but at the same time he acts like he’s been getting the best roles in the business. He hasn’t put out an A rate movie since the mid 90′s. This role has the potential of mending a fading career of a past action star… But since he turned it down, there’s a good chance we can get someone better to play the role. Ask Vin diesel, or Dwayne Johnson, with the stars that are already on board, it’s going to turn out to be a good action flick regardless.
“I guess if the role is the on the level of “Double Team” with co-stars like Dennis Rodman, then it’s just not good enough for him”
Or with Mickey Rourke.
Hey wait a minute…
The real reason was that he didn’t want Dolph to beat him down for that altercation when they did Universal Soldier.
LOL. J/k. I admire Van Damme for not just doing a flick for money and then having it end up being crappy -DRAGONBALL- cough cough. On the other hand after watching JCVD you’d think he’d take the money and maybe spark his mainstream Hollywood career back up. Oh well.
Van Damme turning down a part? Is he kidding? In his best movies he was at least top 3 worst actors of all time. He should go back to alcohol.
If Stallone approached Van Damme for this, does anyone know if Steven Seagal was ever discussed? They seem to be about on the same level.