Sylvester Stallone directed and stars in The Expendables, an action film based on his original screenplay.Variety: Stallone to Star in Expendables (November 5, 2008) In addition to Stallone, the cast includes a number of famous action film stars, including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Eric Roberts and Dolph Lundgren.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis are rumored to appear in cameos.

The first trailer for the film was released online on October 14, 2009.

• Sylvester Stallone as Barney the schizo Ross
• Jet Li as Bao
• Jason Statham as Lee Christmas
• Mickey Rourke as Tool
• Randy Couture as Toll Road
• Eric Roberts as Monroe
• Terry Crews as Hale Caesar
• Charisma Carpenter as Lacy
• Giselle Itie as Sandra
• Dolph Lundgren
• Steve Austin

For this unique project Sylvester Stallone will star alongside Jason Statham and Jet Li as mercenaries who carry out an infiltration into a South American country to spur the country's liberation by overthrowing the dictator.Variety: Stallone to Star in Expendables (November 5, 2008) Other cast members confirmed for the film include Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Mickey Rourke, 50 Cent and possibly California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.Ain't It Cool News: Arnold Schwarzenegger joins the cast of The Expendables (February 17, 2009) Filming is set to begin February 2009 in Costa Rica and Louisiana which gives the film a tentative 2010 release date.The Hollywood Reporter: Stallone, Statham Infiltrate Actioner (November 5, 2008)

On February 17, 2009 movie rumor website Ain't It Cool News first reported that Arnold Schwarzenegger had joined the cast of The Expendables.Ain't It Cool News: Arnold Schwarzenegger joins the cast of The Expendables (February 17, 2009) The following day, Ain't It Cool News reported that Schwarzenegger's involvement in the project would depend on the budget crisis in California. If the situation was resolved, Schwarzenegger would likely film one day on the project, as a favor to Stallone. His character will reportedly be something "gritty, scarred and brutalized." Ain't It Cool News: Perhaps the Gov won't be in The Expendables, and perhaps he will! (February 18, 2009)

On March 11, 2009, news agencies reported that Stone Cold Steve Austin and Charisma Carpenter have joined the cast of The Expendables. Details of their roles were not available at the time on the announcement.Variety.com: Austin, Carpenter join Expendables (March 11, 2009)

On March 18, 2009 Ain't It Cool News reported that due to scheduling conflicts Forest Whitaker has been forced to drop out of The Expendables. Rap star and actor 50 Cent was to replace Whitaker in the film.Ain't It Cool News: Ghost Dog is out of The Expendables sadly... (March 18, 2009) He has since been replaced by actor Terry Crews.AICN: 50 cent in out! Who is in The Expendables? Stallone says...

The Expendables is one of two films that are part of a Nu Image/Millennium Films signing deal with Sylvester Stallone.The Hollywood Reporter: Stallone, Statham Infiltrate Actioner (November 5, 2008) The second film will be the next installment of the popular Rambo franchise.The Hollywood Reporter: Stallone, Statham Infiltrate Actioner (November 5, 2008)

"Making films with Nu Image/Millennium gives me as the director the opportunity to make the films I envision. I am happy to be partnering with them again and am looking forward to working with Jason and Jet."—Sylvester StalloneThe Hollywood Reporter: Stallone, Statham Infiltrate Actioner (November 5, 2008)