3. Jean Reno
There is no way anyone can claim to have amassed cinemas classic heroes, without casting master assassin, Leon. Reno is one tough S.O.B and even now, still has that dead stare reserved for the coldest of killers. Leon was a long time ago now, but 2010s 22 Bullets demonstrated that Reno is still very much capable of busting some caps. His deep French drawl would be a welcome addition to the United Colours of Benetton-vibe of Stallones crew, and his dry charm would bring a whole need tone to the franchise. The previous two films have crept closer and closer to taking place in a major city. So it would make perfect sense for The Expendables 3 to happen in, say, Paris or Marseilles. Reno could be the disgruntled cop who chases the mercenaries down, only to realize they are the good guys, and then find himself fighting with them against a corrupt French police force.
Possible Weapon: Hunting knife: black handle, even blacker blade.
4. Tony Jaa
Whatever happened to Tony Jaa? He burst onto our screens in 2003 with the ultra brilliant Ong Bak, and then followed it up with the equally kick ass Warrior King, but then he fell off the grid destined to live a Groundhog Day life of Ong Bak sequels. Jet Li gave the first Expendables some flavour of martial arts, and Van Damme gave it a further boost in number 2. But there is a special energy and chest-pounding excitement generated by Muay Thai, and more specifically, Jaas type of Muay Thai. Jaas brutal choreography sits perfectly within the sphere of what Stallone seeks to provide, and would inject the franchise with some real gumption. Jaa could be introduced to proceedings by some tenuous links to human trafficking in Thailand. He could cross paths with the Expendables whilst trailing his sister who has been taken by traffickers. Joining forces with them, he could then start kneeing people in the face left, right and centre. Sawadika, muva fers.
Possible Weapon: His elbows and shins. The man is a human bullet.