The franchise movie game is a thriving one, and these films tend to make big bucks at the box office. At this time, the MCU is the leading force in the movie world, but other franchises have been able to success alongside it.
The Expendables franchise was a thriving action series of films that featured an amazing roster of stars. As we have seen in the past, tempers can flare between actors, and even between actors and directors. Unfortunately, there was a rift between Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone, which soured their working relationship.
Let's take a look and see what set it off.
'The Expendables' Was A Hit Franchise
In 2010, The Expendables made its highly-anticipated debut at the box office. Starring some of the biggest action movie stars of all time, this film was a thrill ride from start to finish, and it breathed new life into the classic action genre that once dominated cinemas in the '80s and '90s.
The roster boasted names like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren, the first Expendables movie was a surprise hit, and it kickstarted what became a hugely successful franchise.
As the franchise moved ahead into its sequel films, the roster grew with other classic action stars, something that became a hallmark of the films.
Stallone spoke with Collider about bringing on big names for the sequels.
"You know people always talk about “oh, I have baggage, my baggage.” Baggage is the best damn thing you can have, because that means you’ve got something to sell, something to bring along with you. So all these guys have big time bags, you see what I mean? They’re developing baggage (laughs). A lot of time people are like, “oh my God, you’re stereotyped.” Good, then you’re known for something. The NFL is stereotyped for playing football."
During that first film, a classic action star had a cameo that caught fans by total surprise.
Bruce Willis Was On Board For The First Two Films
The first Expendables movie already had a talented cast of classic action heroes, and in what came as a huge surprise to fans, Bruce Willis made a cameo in that first film.
Naturally, this got people excited at the prospect of seeing Bruce Willis in the film's sequel. Thankfully, Willis was, in fact, brought on board for The Expendables 2, which gave the blossoming franchise another classic action hero to work with.
With Willis on board, The Expendables 2 turned into another hit at the box office for the franchise. It grossed over $300 million, proving that a fun action movie could still make a fortune while in theaters.
Action fans were loving every minute of the sequel's success, and in no time at all, a third film was announced.
Given the trend of the first two films, fans were ready to see things get even bigger and better for the third movie. What these fans were not expecting to see, however, was a feud taking place between two of the biggest names on the roster.
Stallone Was Upset With Willis' Demands
So, what in the world took place between Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis that soured their working relationship? Well, it all stems from Bruce Willis wanting to cash in and make as much money as possible, while not having to be on set for very long.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, "A source with knowledge of the situation says the fallout was over a specific money demand. Willis was offered $3 million for four days of consecutive work on location in Bulgaria for the film. “He said he’d drop out unless he got $4 million,” this source close to the production says. 'A million dollars a day. Stallone and everybody else involved said no.'"
Following this, Stallone took to social media to announce that Willis was gone from the franchise and that Harrison Ford was sliding in. This was followed by a message taking a very public shot at Willis.
Willis seemed unphased by it all, and essentially brushed it off.
It would take some time, but eventually, Stallone would apologize for the verbal assault on his former co-star.
"It sounded like it got personal and I'm sorry it did sound that way. But it was actors talking and things move on. I think Bruce Willis is a great guy and he does fantastically entertaining films and when he nails it he nails it big time," Stallone said.
Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone's rift came over money, but thankfully, they patched things up and have since moved on.