"The Expendables 3" has a colossal cast. So much so that the film's first trailer was nothing but- a short action clip and then a long list of each action star currently on board for part three.
Now that more promotional materials have come and gone, Lionsgate can have a little more fun with their marketing campaign.
That's the spirit of the newest TV spot for the third "Expendables" film, due out August 15, 2014, which uses the wit of Kelsey Grammer (who would otherwise seem out of place in a film populater with Stallone-sized action stars) to drop the usual action movie one-liners. The cast members more familiar with the action genre are the ones doing the stunts- dropping off a high-rise building at the start of the spot, then using a motorcycle to rocket up another at the end.
Along with the spot comes a new behind-the-scenes video, which showcases the two biggest draws to the "Expendables" franchise: the action and the star power.
The first half of the video is for the actors; watching the scores of action movie greats pal around on set, showing off their combat-ready costumes and flexing their ample muscles. Watch for Antonio Banderas throwing a friendly punch at a co-star and coming away with a bruised knuckle.
Also visible is Mel Gibson, who's come on to the series after a series of scandals poisoned his public image. Cast as an "Expendables" villain, perhaps playing a character with an ugly side might help to warm audiences to Gibson once more.
And the second half is pure action movie mayhem- live tanks, live helicopters (although no drones- "The Expendables 3" recently made the news when director Patrick Hughes used an unmanned drone to shoot a large battle scene).
The "Expendables" franchise is continually expanding- recently, Pierce Brosnan spoke up about wanting to join the series' long list of action heroes for part four. The TV spot may christen part three as "The Last Ride," but expect this summer's "Expendables" installment to be dwarfed by future "Expendables" cast lists and sequels to come.
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