The Expendables 4, the final chapter in the action-packed film series featuring Jason Statham, struggled significantly at the box office after its 2023 theatrical release but has since gained notable popularity on streaming services like Starz. Despite poor ticket sales and negative reviews, the movie has maintained a strong presence on streaming platforms, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in audience engagement.
A Disappointing Theatrical Performance Contrasts Streaming Success
When it debuted in theaters, The Expendables 4 grossed only $51 million globally against a $100 million budget, marking it as the lowest-performing entry in the franchise. The film’s reception was further dampened by seven Golden Raspberry Award nominations, winning two for Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Supporting Actress. This reception contrasted sharply with the franchise’s earlier reputation for delivering high-octane action grounded in ‘80s and ‘90s blockbuster traditions.
However, the narrative changed quickly once the movie became available for home viewing. On Starz, it has spent over 300 days in the platform’s Top 10 ranking, attracting a steady stream of viewers who seem to appreciate the film’s ensemble cast and action sequences in a more relaxed, home environment. Many fans have embraced the film with a sense of irony or nostalgia, turning it into a comfort watch despite its shortcomings in theaters. The film shifted focus to Jason Statham as the lead, while Sylvester Stallone took on a reduced role. The cast also included Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture, and Andy Garcia.
The Future of The Expendables Franchise
For those hoping for another sequel, the news is final: The Expendables 4 was intended to conclude the series. Both Sylvester Stallone and the production studio have stated there are no plans to continue with a fifth film. Stallone, who is now in his late seventies, is focusing on other ventures such as his Paramount+ reality series The Family Stallone and the crime drama Tulsa King.
The franchise showed signs of decline after the second movie, with diminishing box office returns and waning audience enthusiasm. The weak critical and financial results of the fourth installment effectively ended the possibility of further sequels. Jason Statham himself has expressed unease about leading an Expendables film without Stallone’s significant presence, suggesting that the dynamic that made the series successful is incomplete. While Hollywood often revisits popular properties through spin-offs or reboots, the core Expendables saga appears to have reached its definitive end.
Currently, viewers can stream The Expendables 4, also known as Expend4bles, on Starz.
