The "Expendables 4" is said to start production in 2016 and has scheduled its release in 2017. Owner/ President of SP International Steven Paul closed a deal on behalf of SSXH Beijing and Max Screen Film Distribution for equity investments and distribution rights. Paul shared why China took steps to secure the fourth all-star sequel.
Coming Soon shared that "Expendables 4" is well under way to start production in 2016 as it closed a deal for pre-sales with China. Despite the below average sales for the third sequel which grossed just around $39 million domestically, the film was saved by its international audience who flocked in theaters and raked in $167 million in ticket sales.
Sylvester Stallone shared his thoughts on why "The Expendables 3" didn't fare well. He says it was because of its efforts to try and target a larger margin of the audience by giving it a PG-13 rating. He later realized that it was a mistake and assured that it won't happen again. He also said that there is a possibility that a major team member will die on the fourth sequel. Stallone also adds that the demise of a certain character in the movie could change the outlook of the audience after watching the film. Stallone is quoted saying, "It's a big conflict for me" most especially when it is an R-rated film.
IGN reported that "Expendables 4" is set to be shown in theaters in 2017 and will be mostly shot in China. However, there are still no clear details as to who the director will be and who are lined up in the cast. With a budget of over $100 million, fans are given the assurance though that the fourth follow-up film will still maintain its "all-star formula." In another note, an Expendables TV series was announced by FOX after the release of the third film.
Variety provided more updates about the "Expendables 4." The article stated that Nu Image and Millenium will be giving distribution rights as well as equity investments over to SSXH Beijing and Max Screen Film Distribution. This was made possible because of Steven Paul, owner/president of SP International Pictures who negotiated in behalf of SSXH and Max Screen Beijing and representatives for Nu Image namely Trevor Short, Jeffrey Greenstein and Avi Lerner. Part of the deal will also entail an excess of a $25 million transaction. Steven Paul and Dr. Shi Jianxiang (owner of SSXH) will be credited as executive producers for the film. The "Expendables 3" actually raked in $78 million in China alone.
Paul shared his thoughts on why China wants the film."What seems to work in their favour in China, is that these movies are good old-fashioned shoot 'em up entertainment." SP International is said to be an independent company in China and is one of the most active in Hollywood.
With China taking hold of the fourth film as producers, it might not come as a surprise if there will be a lot more Chinese characters in a Chinese setting mulling around. Steven Paul's SPI has taken big steps in making things possible with SSXH Beijing and Max Screen Film for the "Expendables 4."
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