Viewers have little time left to catch the first three films in the popular action franchise, The Expendables, as they will be removed from Pluto TV on December 1. This news comes as fans reflect on the franchise’s trajectory, which started with a bang but has since struggled to maintain its initial momentum.
The concept of uniting iconic action heroes from the 1980s and 1990s initially captivated audiences. The first The Expendables film, released on August 13, 2010, was a collaborative effort between Sylvester Stallone and writer David Callaham. Stallone not only starred in the film but also directed it, bringing together a star-studded cast that included notable figures such as Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, and Terry Crews. The film centers on Stallone’s character, Barney Ross, and his team of mercenaries undertaking a dangerous mission to overthrow a Latin American dictator.
The franchise initially thrived at the box office, with the first installment grossing a remarkable $274.5 million globally. Following this success, Lionsgate quickly greenlit a sequel, which premiered in 2012 and outperformed its predecessor, earning an impressive $315 million. The subsequent film, The Expendables 3, released in 2014, unfortunately marked a downturn, raking in only $214.7 million, a significant drop from the previous installment.
The decline continued with the latest film, Expend4bles, which faltered at the box office, accumulating a mere $51 million worldwide. This lackluster performance has cast doubt on the future of the franchise, which many had hoped would continue to deliver explosive action and nostalgia.
For fans wishing to relive the glory days of the original films, now is the time to act. The first three The Expendables films will be available for free streaming on Pluto TV until December 1. With their departure, audiences may miss their chance to see these classic action films, filled with high-octane battles and camaraderie among some of the genre’s most beloved stars.
As the franchise faces an uncertain future, fans are encouraged to revisit the early excitement of The Expendables series while they can.
