The full Expendables franchise, featuring Jason Statham, will become available on Netflix starting Friday, February 20, 2026. Created by Sylvester Stallone, the high-action series has drawn in fans by reuniting popular action stars from multiple decades.
The storyline follows a group of elite mercenaries led by Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) as they undertake perilous missions worldwide. Their first major assignment, hired by a mysterious figure known as Mr. Church, involves the assassination of a dictator, setting off a series of increasingly personal and intense challenges throughout the four films.
The Franchise’s Evolution and Key Players Behind the Scenes
Sylvester Stallone not only created The Expendables but also co-wrote the scripts for the initial three movies and directed the first one. Though he distanced himself during the development of the fourth film due to creative disagreements, Stallone returned following encouragement from his castmates, confirming his involvement via social media in 2018.
Besides Statham and Stallone, the films feature a wide array of well-known action stars such as Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Randy Couture, and Tony Jaa, bringing together talent from various eras to deliver explosive ensemble action.
Reception, Expansions, and What’s Next for the Franchise
The Expendables series has had mixed responses; while critics have generally been less favorable on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have shown strong support reflected in higher user ratings. Box office earnings have reached approximately $840 million across all four films. The franchise extended beyond movies with the comic series The Expendables Go to Hell, created by Chuck Dixon and Richard C. Meyer, with artwork by Graham Nolan.
Though there were discussions about launching a spin-off television series and a female-led iteration titled The Expendabelles, neither concept has come to fruition so far. With the entire franchise now streaming on Netflix, both longtime fans and newcomers have the opportunity to experience the high-stakes missions and star-studded cast that define this action saga.
“Sylvester Stallone is back for the fourth and final installment after stepping away briefly.” – Source
“The team takes on a $5 million mission to assassinate a dictator, escalating into more personal stakes.” – Source
