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SALT LAKE CITY -- Action fans are champing at the bit in anticipation of "The Expendables 2." But a new development has some fans worried about the sequel, the high-octane action flick will reportedly be rated PG-13.
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The new action film features a myriad of action super stars, including: Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis and Chuck Norris. Reportedly, the film may get the PG-13 rating thanks to Norris himself.
"In ‘Expendables 2,' there was a lot of vulgar dialogue in the screenplay. For this reason, many young people wouldn't be able to watch this. But I don't play in movies like this," Collider.com reports Norris as saying. "Due to that I said I won't be a part of that if the hardcore language is not erased. Producers accepted my conditions and the movie will be classified in the category of PG-13."
To give some context on why Expendables fans are worried about a PG-13 rating, the first film was rated R and for good reason. "The Expendables" had several "F" words and was over the top violent, which is exactly what director Sylvester Stallone wanted. Now, many fans feel without the bloody violence and "tough guy" language the new film will fall flat.
"Graphic violence and cursing is a big part of many decades-old action classics (ex. Rambo, Commando, Die Hard, etc.), so for Expendables 2 to truly be a fitting homage to those kind of movies, it should arguably feature plenty of both," wrote Screenrant.com's Sandy Schaefer. "Otherwise, it seems to defeat the purpose of making an action movie throwback in the first place."
But Stallone himself says the PG-13 sequel will be just as entertaining and in your face as the first film.
"The film is fantastic with Van Damme turning in an inspired performance… Our final battle is one for the ages." Stallone wrote to Ain't it Cool News. "The PG-13 rumor is true, but before your readers pass judgment, trust me when I say this film is LARGE in every way and delivers on every level."
So, Sly promises a movie that's just as good as the original, but one that can reach a wider audience. However, even with the R rating, the first film made nearly $275 million worldwide, not bad on an $80 million budget. But, I'm sure the studio hopes to break $200 million domestically with the newest installment.
What do you think about the news? Will the PG-13 rating hurt the film or do you trust Sly that it will deliver on every level? Sound off on the comment boards and on Facebook.
"The Expendables 2" is due in theaters August 17, 2012.
