Get ready for a new kind of action squad. The Expendables universe is expanding with a bold new spin-off: The Expendabelles, an all-female team of elite mercenaries. After years of rumors and false starts, the project is finally moving forward, promising to bring a fresh energy to the franchise.
While gender-swapped remakes often spark debate, this one feels different. Instead of simply recasting the original characters, The Expendabelles is being developed as its own standalone entity, not a direct follow-up to the adventures of Barney Ross and Lee Christmas. Still, the idea of a female-led team—perhaps with stars like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney as Barnetta Ross and Leah Christmas—has fans buzzing.
The original Expendables franchise kicked off in 2010, assembling a who's who of action legends from Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and Chuck Norris. The series became known for its over-the-top action and nostalgic casting, but the latest installment, Expend4bles, was a box office disappointment, grossing just $51 million worldwide against a $100 million budget.
Now, the franchise is taking a new direction. The Expendabelles has been in development for over a decade—first announced in 2012 with writers Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith attached. Over the years, names like Meryl Streep, Cameron Diaz, Milla Jovovich, and Sigourney Weaver were floated for the cast. While none of those stars are confirmed yet, the project is officially in production, and fans are eager to see who will lead this new team.
The financial history of the franchise shows a clear arc: the first film grossed $268 million worldwide, the sequel hit $312 million, but the third film dropped to $209 million. Expend4bles was a full-blown bomb, but with a more moderate budget, the interest in the concept remains strong. This spin-off could be the shot in the arm the series needs.
For fans of high-octane action, this is a welcome development. The Expendables movies have always been about bringing together iconic stars for explosive fun, and an all-female team opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, The Expendabelles is one to watch.
In other action news, check out our list of 6 perfect action movies based on true stories for more adrenaline-pumping recommendations. And if you're looking for something with a bit more polish, don't miss the slickest action movies ever.
