As October 31 approaches, Netflix is preparing to bid farewell to the first three films of The Expendables franchise, featuring iconic action stars like Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham. Fans of the series will have limited time to enjoy these action-packed films before they leave the platform. While Statham continues to achieve success with various streaming projects, including recent releases like The Beekeeper, subscribers will soon lose access to his memorable role as Lee Christmas, the charismatic former SAS soldier.
The original Expendables, released in 2010, is a nostalgic homage to 1980s action cinema. Stallone leads an impressive ensemble cast, which includes Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Dolph Lundgren, alongside Statham. His portrayal of Lee Christmas—a skilled fighter known for his quick wit and combat prowess—has resonated with fans, making him a standout character in the franchise. As the series progressed, particularly with the fourth installment released in 2023, Statham’s role grew, taking on a more central position as Stallone passed the torch to him.
While the fourth film, Expend4bles, received mixed reviews, the anticipation surrounding it had been heightened due to the long gap since the previous installment. The future of the franchise remains uncertain, as the reception of this latest entry may influence whether it continues.
Statham’s Streaming Success
Interestingly, while Expend4bles may not have performed as well critically, Jason Statham’s popularity on streaming platforms has surged. His recent film The Beekeeper achieved remarkable viewership after its release on Prime Video, attracting significant attention following a successful theatrical run that grossed over $150 million on a $40 million budget. The film garnered an impressive 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which likely contributed to renewed interest in Statham’s previous works.
Even his earlier films, including The Mechanic and The Meg, have remained popular on various streaming platforms, demonstrating that viewers enjoy his action-packed performances regardless of critical acclaim. As the first three Expendables films leave Netflix, fans can anticipate that they will soon find a new home on another streaming service.
Good News for Statham Fans
Despite the departure of The Expendables, Statham fans have something to look forward to. On November 12, the first six movies from the Fast & Furious franchise will be available on Netflix. This series, which began in 2001, has become a colossal success for Universal, grossing over $7 billion worldwide. Known for its extravagant stunts and engaging storylines, the franchise also features Statham as Deckard Shaw, making his first appearance in Fast & Furious 6.
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Statham’s next project is Levon’s Trade, where he will collaborate once again with director David Ayer. Based on a book by Chuck Dixon, this film promises to deliver another thrilling experience, with Statham playing Levon Cade, a former black ops agent whose quiet retirement is disrupted, forcing him back into action. The cast also includes familiar faces like David Harbour and Michael Peña.
With the successful track record of The Beekeeper and the anticipation surrounding Levon’s Trade, Statham continues to solidify his status as a leading action star, ensuring that fans will have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.
