Sylvester Stallone Admits To 'Horrible Miscalculation' With Expendables 3

There were more than a few raised eyebrows when revivalist actioner ‘Expendables 3’ was handed a PG-13 rating.

Not least because the first movie in the series was a 15 in cinemas and an 18 by the time it was released on DVD.

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The man behind the action Sylvester Stallone – who plays team leader Barney Ross – has now said that it might have all been a bit of a blunder.

Asked whether the movie’s failure to live up to the box office standards of its two predecessors was down to the rating, he told CraveOnline: “Absolutely unequivocally yes.”

Well, that was unequivocal.

He added: “I believe it was a horrible miscalculation on everyone’s part in trying to reach a wider audience, but in doing such, diminish the violence that the audience expects.”

Hinting that an adult rating could befit future ‘Expendables’ movies, he said: “I’m quite certain it won’t happen again.”

“[It’s is a big conflict for me,” he went on, “because in an R-rated film it is difficult to believe that none of the heroes die.

“I personally just believe that the characters become identifiable and their demise could put a dark cloud over an audience exiting the theatre after seeing the film. But that may change in ‘Expendables 4’.”

It’s something of a volte-face. When the movie was released in August this year, he said: “The idea with PG-13, we wanted to hit a broad audience and because of our predecessors, looking at the Bournes and James Bonds, we thought they’re pretty violent films.

"They’re extremely graphic without pushing it. Of course when we do the DVD then you’ll see the next 80 frames and go, ‘Oh, there it is!’

“I thought also the amount of violence and warfare in this movie, if it was graphic it would almost be too much. Even though I personally enjoy it, it would be pushing the envelope and also diminish the humour.”

Where the first movie scored a box office haul of £175 million, and the second £199 million, the third made considerably less - £131 million.

Impressively, the movies have brought together action stars like Stallone with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Jason Statham, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li and Wesley Snipes.

Image credit: Lionsgate

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