Van Damme, Norris, Travolta Join 'The Expendables 2'

I thought there was only one possible way Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" could have been any more of an homage to 1980s action movies. Upon first thought, it seemed there was only one missing element that needed to be made right. That one thing was the exclusion of Jean-Claude Van Damme. Then, upon further reflection, another high profile action star came to mind who got the shaft. It seems that all things are meant to be rectified with the upcoming "The Expendables 2."

According to writer Sheldon Lettich ("Bloodsport," "Rambo III"), Van Damme will be playing one of the principal villains in the sequel to the 1980s action throwback. Why should we believe what Lettich is saying? For one thing, the guy has been a long-time associate of Van Damme's.

What other high-profile actor was forgotten in the original "Expendables?" How about martial arts master Chuck Norris. Norris started his career in the 1970s, but had a run of classic action flicks in the 1980s like the "Missing in Action" movies, the "Delta Force" movies, and many more. According to CEO David Varod of Nu Boyana Studios, Norris has joined the cast of "The Expendables 2."

Also thrown in as a bonus, according to Varod, is John Travolta. Travolta is not universally known as an action star but he has paid enough dues to make an appearance in the film. Some of the dues he has paid include "Face/Off," "From Paris with Love," "Broken Arrow," and "Swordfish."

With a filled out powerhouse cast like this, the stage is set for some serious ultra-violent action goodness. The only way they could gain an advantage over the cast now is to add Robocop or the Predators and turn it into a sci-fi action gore fest. Hey, a guy can wish.

Sylvester Stallone is not directing or writing "The Expendables 2." It is being directed by Simon West ("Con Air," "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider") from a screenplay by David Agosto and Ken Kaufman ("The Missing," "Space Cowboys"). Varod again reports it will star Sylvester Stallone, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Jean Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, and John Travolta. The film is set to be released on August 17, 2012.

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