Jean-Claude Van Damme Turned Down "The Expendables" for This?

[GreenScar]

I think they're about 15 years late on this one:

Ever since Sylvester Stallone announced his new movie "The Expendables," fans have been closely following his casting choices for this "tough guy homecoming." Stallone has already signed Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Jet Li and Arnold Schwarzenegger, but his attempt at getting Jean-Claude Van Damme went nowhere.

Van Damme created a comeback for himself with "JCVD" and felt that taking a role in "The Expendables" was a wrong move for his career. Now, a new production company (Flagship Films) has announced that their first movie will be "Weapon," which will unite Van Damme with Steven Seagal for their own "tough guy homecoming."

In "Weapon," Jack Conway (Seagal) and Derek Chase (Van Damme) are the two best assassins in the world — but unknown to each other. While Conway is a master sharpshooter, Chase is equally skilled with a knife. These two rival assassins form an uneasy alliance to take down the head of a drug cartel, which is backed by the DEA.

Principal photography is set to begin in July around New Mexico and Vancouver. A director will be announced in the next several weeks.

With any luck, "Weapon" will be released at the same time as "The Expendables," which is in April of next year. "Weapon," however, will likely go straight to DVD.

[WyldeMan45]

I actually think this sounds good, 2/3 of my dream team, the other being Chuck Norris, and all 3 would fight a Yeti onboard a submarine.

[GreenScar]

Sorry, but:

[Rblu-Dblu]

Has anything with Steven Seagal and JCVD not gone straight to DVD in the last fifteen years? Its possible they make more money doing those straight to dvd coasters. By the time you give all of those names their cut in the expendables im sure JCVD wouldnt be getting a very large slice of the pie.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

Sorry, but:

LOL

Rich

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by Rblu-Dblu

Has anything with Steven Seagal and JCVD not gone straight to DVD in the last fifteen years? Its possible they make more money doing those straight to dvd coasters. By the time you give all of those names their cut in the expendables im sure JCVD wouldnt be getting a very large slice of the pie.

The idea would be for the exposure I would think. I predict a lot of people will be seeing The Expendables

[Blu Titan]

Fantastic move by Van Damme. Maybe he can get a XXXX leather jacket, dye his hair jet black and put plenty of glue as to make his head look like a helmet.

[Penitus]

Man everyone is in the Expendables but VanDamme and myself!

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by Penitus

Man everyone is in the Expendables but VanDamme and myself!

Maybe there'll be a sequel!

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Rblu-Dblu

Has anything with Steven Seagal and JCVD not gone straight to DVD in the last fifteen years?

It's been 7 years for Seagal and 10 for Van Damme.

Steven Seagal Theatrical Releases of the last 15 years:
Half Past Dead (2002)
Exit Wounds (2001)
The Patriot (1998)
Fire Down Below (1997)
The Glimmer Man (1996)
Executive Decision (1996)
Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995)
On Deadly Ground (1994)

Van Damme Theatrical Releases of the last 15 years:
Universal Soldier: The Return (1999)
Knock Off (1998)
Double Team (1997)
Maximum Risk (1996)
The Quest (1996)
Sudden Death (1995)
Street Fighter (1994)
Timecop (1994)

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

IMO, despite Weapon not being released in theaters, I think it'll turn out to be a better film than Expendables. Just my .02

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

IMO, despite Weapon not being released in theaters, I think it'll turn out to be a better film than Expendables. Just my .02

I have that same feeling.

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

A movie with so many big stars sort of relates to a unsuccessful sports team thats loaded with big-name stars. Its a bad combination.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Blu-ray Fanatic

A movie with so many big stars sort of relates to a unsuccessful sports team thats loaded with big-name stars. Its a bad combination.

Or Batman and Robin..........

[Rob71]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Or Batman and Robin..........

Oooo, you invoked the name of B & R.

[Haventronics]

I think the Expendables will kick-arse!!!!!!! Some of the early set photos look amazing and the way 60-something Stallone buffed himself to rival Tyson is worthy enough to catch this at the theatres when released. With all the articles and info popping up on Expendables....this is gonna be one of the most anticipated movies of 2010.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Rob71

Oooo, you invoked the name of B & R.

That's right, and I'll even say it 3 times infront of a mirror in the bathroom with the lights out!!! I fear no boy wonder!

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

Or Batman and Robin..........

Or Pulp Fiction.

Really none of them are A list.

[Edo]

van damme and steven s. usually get a new movie every month...i swear every time i got to blockbuster they got a new movie

[pEgLeG]

Have you seen JCVD? If so, you would understand that the guy went from poor kid from Brussles, to Hollywood superstar, to inflated windbag douchebag joke, to washed up loser that lost his kid because she was embarrassed for being his daughter, all in the blink of an eye. In the movie, he makes it more than clear that he is going to try to develop some integrity in his life.
On that note, maybe he doesn't want to take the easy road and ride the coat tails of a surefire box office smash. Perhaps he wants to actually EARN some respect back.
Seagal has had a very similar career as Jean Claude, almost identical actually, he would be the perfect guy to try to earn a legit comeback with.