The Expendables franchise seems to be drawing to a close following the release of Expend4bles in 2023, and many fans are lamenting the missed opportunity to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a role that would have felt like a natural fit for him. Despite his status as a beloved action star, The Rock has never graced an Expendables film, despite expressing interest in joining the cast. His addition could have addressed a significant shortcoming of the series: the lack of memorable antagonists who can effectively challenge Sylvester Stallone and his crew of seasoned action heroes.
The Perfect Villain: Dwayne Johnson’s Missed Opportunity
A Wish Voiced in 2014
Dwayne Johnson made his aspiration to portray a villain in the Expendables series known during a Reddit AMA in 2014. When queried about potentially participating in an upcoming mission, he intriguingly flipped the conversation, expressing his desire to pursue Stallone’s Barney Ross and Jason Statham’s Lee Christmas instead. Regrettably, this dream role never materialized, and as it stands, the franchise may have missed its chance for this thrilling addition.
Throughout the entirety of the franchise, three out of four films suffered from a deficit of compelling villains. With actors like Eric Roberts, Mel Gibson, and Andy Garcia leading the antagonistic charge, these roles failed to leave a lasting impression. While the Expendables sought to create a powerhouse ensemble featuring iconic stars such as Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis, it often fell short in presenting formidable villains to challenge them.
A Franchise Defined by its Lack of Villains
Jean-Claude Van Damme: A Notable Exception
The notable exception within the franchise came with The Expendables 2, which is widely regarded as the standout film in the series. Long before production began, Stallone hinted at his eagerness to face off against Jean-Claude Van Damme, an encounter that fans had eagerly anticipated. The climactic showdown between Stallone and Van Damme in this film delivered the high-caliber fight sequence audiences had been yearning for since the franchise’s inception.
Despite Stallone eventually defeating Van Damme, the latter’s portrayal of villain Jean Vilain remains the definitive antagonist in the series, exhibiting formidable fighting skills and a command of presence that other villains failed to match. His depiction of a sadistic character provided a chilling essence to the film, illustrating the creativity and effort Van Damme invested in crafting a truly menacing persona.
The Rock: An Ideal Expendables Villain
Imagining Dwayne Johnson as a Formidable Foe
Dwayne Johnson, famed for his versatility in action roles, showcased his potential as a brilliant antagonist in the film Fast Five. His portrayal of Luke Hobbs proved that he could indeed embody a compelling villain, leaving audiences captivated. There’s a strong argument to be made that The Rock would have delivered a memorable performance as an antagonist in the Expendables series, had he been provided the opportunity.
Recognizing that the protagonists in the Expendables films often operate outside the bounds of traditional heroism, Johnson’s portrayal of a nuanced villain could have added depth to the narrative. Introducing such a character would have shifted the dynamics of the series, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between mercenaries and villainy. Unfortunately, Johnson’s absence as a villain remains one of the franchise’s most significant missed opportunities.