Category: Celebs

Earlier this week The Hollywood Reporter announced that Brittany Murphy and David Zayas are now part of  “The Expendables.”  Murphy will play Mickey Rourke’s girlfriend and Zayas the dictator that “The Expendables” hope to overthrow.  For the full article click here.

Hey SZoners,

Here’s the latest from Sly:

I know that many people on the site have asked for Kurt Russell. I asked for him too.  Actually, I was taken aback when asked to put the request in a letter and send it to his agent.  Subsequently, I was called back by the agent several days later after refusing to send a letter and he said Kurt Russell is not interested in ‘ensemble acting’ at this time.

So, People, I came, I saw, I failed.

Best,
Sly

I received the following e-mail from Sly who asked me to post it on the StalloneZone Message Board.  My response followed.

+++++

Dear Craig,

I appreciate the incredible amount of work you’ve done on my behalf. Please tell the loyal followers to be positive not negative in their feedback. I am not self-destructive. The anger of the casting of 50 Cent is understandable, but not fair. A player is only as good as his coach. If a man can communicate in one medium, he can communicate in another if his strengths are brought out and he has the support of well-wishers. So, trust me, the change of Forest Whitaker to 50 Cent AKA Curtis Jackson is a good one. No one thought Dolph Lundgren was a good choice for ROCKY or Mr. T. for Rocky III. Carl Weathers was an afterthought when Ken Norton fell out. The same with Talia Shire and Richard Crenna (who was known as a comedic actor, not a serious
one).

Nobody wanted Eric Roberts over Ben Kingsley, but I believe it’s a vastly improved casting. The point is, you either believe in me and the project, setting your personal feelings aside, or you take a darker approach, which really serves no purpose since your insight and suggestions and overall enthusiasm are a great thrill for me to behold everyday I sign on.

Signing off –

Your friend,
Sly

+++++

SZoners,

The e-mail that started this thread is the first direct e-mail from Sly to SZoners. Sly makes some very valid points about the kneejerk reactions to the addition of Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent to the cast of “The Expendables.”

Up to this point the buzz for “The Expendables” has been unbelievably positive.   Everyone wants to see it NOW.   The buzz has continued to grow with a whole new generation of fans brought in by “Rocky Balboa” and “Rambo” joining long time Stallone fans as well as fans of action movies.  It was Sly who was able to get this project up and running and it is Sly’s vision that continues to guide it.  For us to think that because one particular actor has left or another has joined the cast and that this loss/addition will ruin the film is plain silly.  Sly is still the guiding force behind the project.  What kind of message does it send to the casual fan that drops in to the SZ to read some of the negative stuff posted lately?

One thing Sly is known for is discovering and bringing the best out of new/raw talent.  Think of the actors/actresses that got their big breaks with Sly: Armand Assante, Mr. T, Dolph Lundgren, Hulk Hogan, Rutger Hauer, Sandra Bullock and others.  I can remember the negative comments some were throwing out when screen legend Kirk Douglas dropped out of “First Blood” and was replaced by Richard Crenna after filming had started.   Some of these folks had their best roles under Sly’s guidance. I expect that this streak will continue.

When people ask me what Sly SHOULD do next, I always answer whatever he wants.  I’m a fan and will trust his instincts and judgment.  Think of all the doubters who didn’t believe in “Rocky.” Some of the same folks had the same lack of faith in “Rocky Balboa” and then “Rambo.” Sly is on a roll. I can’t wait to see what he does with “The Expendables” no matter who ends up in it.

best,

Craig

Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed that he will appear in a cameo role in “The Expendables.”  In an appearance on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos“ Arnold stated:

“Since I’ve become governor I’ve done three cameos when friends ask me and Sly asked me if I would do a cameo. I said of course I would help you do a cameo, there’s no two ways about that.”

In the same interview, Arnold also described Sly as:

“…a terrific director, writer, and great actor.”

Entertainment Tonight posted a piece on the interview which you can read here.  And Zimbio posted up twelve new photos of Sly and Arnold which can be seen here.