Screen Rant testing - Latest Comments in Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Adrian — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:14:02 -0000

It would have been cool if he excepted the role, but at the same time he acts like he's been getting the best roles in the business. He hasn't put out an A rate movie since the mid 90's. This role has the potential of mending a fading career of a past action star... But since he turned it down, there's a good chance we can get someone better to play the role. Ask Vin diesel, or Dwayne Johnson, with the stars that are already on board, it's going to turn out to be a good action flick regardless.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Sta — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:47:16 -0000

This reminds me of the time Gene Simmons asked Andrew Dice Clay what his movie was "trying to be."

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Battosia — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:17:08 -0000

JCVD just didn't want to look like lame beside the likes of Jet Li, you know? A REAL martial artist. His whole reasoning is BS. I guess if the role is the on the level of "Double Team" with co-stars like Dennis Rodman, then it's just not good enough for him. LOL. Well, folks, JCVD's next roll is... Drumroll please: Universal Solider 3.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

tirkka — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:25:16 -0000

I'm glad Van Damme skipped this movie. His action scenes aren't what they used to be, so I say let the ones that can really deliver do the action. Plus it opens a role for someone new, possibly Scott Adkins, that would be awesome. If Van Damme wants to do serious acting, then he made the right choice.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

High Kalibur — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:26:58 -0000

I'm sorry... but wasn't Van Damme in Street Fighter..?!!? Uh... if you still want a acting career, how could you ever turn down a film after that?

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

John "Kahless" Taylor — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:25:49 -0000

I remember reading years ago that Sly, Swartzeneger (yeah, you try to spell his name :-)) and Van Damme were part of some group that pushed their bodies to the limit. While reading this, I was just wondering if Sly was offering him this as a friend, so that Van Damme can make some cash. Ross, Vic, or anyone, do you know if Van Damme is suffering financially?

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Gen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:03:43 -0000

So he turned down a role in a potentially big film because he has ethics now. Hmmmmm - when did that start - after the last fall off the wagon? Puh-lease - man who are you trying to kid?.LOL!!!!!!

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

JD5DAD — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:47:05 -0000

one second I'm looking for the line of directors that want to hire Van Dumb WOW there isn't one unless someone wants to make a no retreat no surrender 2 I don't see this numb nuts working anytime soon what a moron

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Loki — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:01:07 -0000

I think it's okay if he wont be in the movie. Dont think there's enough screentime for all the big stars anyway

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

SK47 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:27:54 -0000

Randy did a good job with Redbelt, not so with Scorpion King 2 but that is understandable.
Right directors can influence any actor, good or bad. Halle Berry is a great example!

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

gebu19 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:06:57 -0000

some of you say that this movie has really great actors like whitaker, kingsley... but then Randy couture is on the list.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

kimo — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:08:36 -0000

I believe van damme rushed up in taking such a decision....i mean for gods sake,great actors such as whitacker or ben kingsley agreed on participating in the movie...who does van damme think he is???
whether he admits it or not,this was a good oppurtunity for him to get back...
ANYWAY TO BE HONEST IM NOT SAD THAT HE WONT BE IN THIS MOVIE CAUSE I REALLY DONT LIKE HIM!!!STALLONE IS ENOUGH.....

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Rob Keyes — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:05:15 -0000

Why didn't Stallone call him back when he knew the answer? lol

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Gary — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:01:56 -0000

Vics point is valid.
But if Sly really didnt tell him who his character was going to be then I understand why he turned it down.
My bet is Stallone approached Van Damme real early in the development process.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Vic Holtreman — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:21:01 -0000

@Mike

It sounds like Stallone didn't show him the script but wanted him to come onboard sight unseen.

Then again, how about just saying "Hey, can I take a look at the script before I decide?"

Vic

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Reverend — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:56:13 -0000

Mike,

I think he was talking about his character specifically, not the plot in general.

Rev

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Mike — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:48:46 -0000

ive read the script....its actually a really good script...Van damme is talking BS...I doubt this is just for $$

why else would guys like Forest whitaker, ben kingsley, mickey rourke sign on?? do they usually sign onto movies for a quick buck?

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Daniel F — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:28:44 -0000

Rofl Van Damme was clearly never concerned about character before if what he is saying is true he has turned a huge corner as an actor sadly way to late in his career to really matter. He isn't that talented to be turning down roles because they aren't deep enough.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Waleed VD — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:00:10 -0000

Some actors just wanna make money but Jean-Claude Van Damme wanna make his fans happy. I respect you, Van Damme.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Rob Keyes — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:30:12 -0000

Such horrible news,

This is being made purely to bring in cash - hence the inappropriate pg-13 rating instead of an R-rating.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

D-E-D-P-O-O-L — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:30:18 -0000

Wow I'm surprised at all the money obsessed people... there are other things in life ya know? I'm so glad it seems he has more principles than some of you.
Personally I hate it when movies are made to just make a bunch of money. The great ones make the money because of what they put into the movie... gotta love Jean! :D

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

SK47 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:52:19 -0000

well, if we take Van Damme's word on it then at least we must admire the guy to try and take the high road than the easy one with The Expendables.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Viper moonST1 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:46:55 -0000

Let's see... Make A LOT OF MONEY!, doing this film or stay in the happy hell of direct to DVD movies? great choice Van Damme,great choice.

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Reverend — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:32:38 -0000

I agree the movie would have been more entertaining, but his reasoning is sound and simple if you've seen JCVD.

His all-money-and-action movies were used against him pretty heavily, it seems.

Rev

Re: Why Van Damme Turned Down Stallone’s ‘Expendables’

Mandarr — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:13:43 -0000

He should've taken the money. What else has he got going for him right now? Besides it would make the movie all the more cooler with him in it as well.