'The Expendables 4' release date and spoilers: Dwayne Johnson and Hulk Hogan join cast; Film to feature more hero deaths

Fans of the ensemble action film "The Expendables" will be delighted to know that the trilogy does not plan on stopping at three. "The Expendables 4" has been confirmed and will reportedly begin production in 2016.

When "The Expendables" first rampaged through theatres, everyone thought that the idea of a film featuring a handful of action stars parading around with guns blazing was nothing short of cool. And now, Sylvester Stallone, the man behind it all (and in front), will be serving up another action-packed thriller on a silver plate.

Pierce Brosnan has reportedly agreed to a part in the film, along with Hulk Hogan and Dwayne Johnson--such huge (literally and figuratively) action stars. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to reprise his role as Trench Mauser. And Stallone, of course, will also be returning as Barney Ross because it won't be "The Expendables" without Rambo himself.

Jason Statham, who played Lee Christmas in the first three films, is genuinely thrilled to start shooting for the fourth installation to the franchise, expressing his excitement in an interview with IGN. The English actor had no problem agreeing to another "Expendables" film and even said that since he's such a huge fan of Stallone, he'll appear in "as many as he wants."

Since the film will feature a lot of big names and tons of action sequences, it comes as no surprise that "The Expendables 4" will need a big budget. Variety reports that the film will have a budget of over $100 million.

As for the plot of the film, nothing specific has been revealed. But it is likely to have the same action formula as the first three films, complete with a dastardly villain, which is rumored to be played by Hogan.

So far, all three films have only seen one hero casualty in the form of Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) in "The Expendables 2." But the fourth film might see more hero deaths.

Stallone said in an email interview with Crave, "I personally just believe that the characters become identifiable and their demise could put a dark cloud over an audience exiting the theatre after seeing the film. But that may change in 'Expendables 4'..."

If that's really the direction they're taking in the upcoming sequel, then fans should prepare for both thrill and tears.

"The Expendables 4" is expected to hit cinemas in 2017.

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