'Expendables 4' movie cast news: Manny Pacquiao to join the film?

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates his victory over Chris Algieri of the U.S. during their World Boxing Organisation (WBO) 12-round welterweight title fight at the Venetian Macao hotel in Macau November 23, 2014.Reuters

A new lineup is being set up for the forthcoming movie "Expendables 4," and it looks like it will have Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao onboard. The eight-division champion's name is the latest to be dragged into the upcoming ensemble film directed and starred by Sylvester Stallone. 

According to reports, apart from Stallone and "Expendables" co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger being fans of the champ, the two are said to have gone so far as to invite Pacman to join the film. The actors were spotted in Pacquiao's fight against Chris Algieri back in November to allegedly encourage the boxer to be part of the latest iteration of the hit action franchise, and rumors are suggesting that Pacquiao actually nodded to the idea.

While that remains unfounded, speculations continue to claim that shooting for "Expendables 4" will not commence until the megafight between Pacquiao and undisputed boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. is over and done. The bout is scheduled on May 2, and it is highly unlikely that Pacquiao would want to pursue acting prior to the much-awaited duel. Rumors are saying that some of his time for training sessions will be used for filming but that is very much far-fetched. 

Should the Filipino boxing sensation join the pack, "Expendables 4" will surely be a hit. Apart from Stallone and Schwarzenegger, the first three films featured iconic action stars Jason Statham, Terry Crews, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, and Randy Couture. The fourth installment is said to include Hulk Hogan, and Jean-Claude Van Damme has reportedly expressed his interest in returning to the franchise. 

Although Pacquiao's punches and blows will find a place in the flick, it is hard to imagine Justin Bieber gracing the franchise. However, rumors are unyielding about the inclusion of the 21-year old pop singer in the film. Undoubtedly though, it will be interesting to see him show off some action chops.