Writer/director Sylvester Stallone is hoping that his latest movie, The Expendables, will bring back the days of the "real" action hero and to ensure that he's filled the cast with a veritable who's who of current and former tough-guy actors and action superstars, including Dolph Lundgren. In a recent interview, Lundgren, who has played numerous action icons, including The Punisher, He-Man and Ivan Drago, confirmed that Stallone is tired of "soft" action heroes.
Lundgren said that he has been a friend and pupil of Stallone's since he first starred opposite him in
Rocky IV and that he's grateful for the "great character" that Stallone wrote for him in
The Expendables.
"[My character is] crazy but funny. In a comedic way. He's a good guy and a bad guy at the same time. Stallone really pushed me to get those comedic moments to work. It's something that I hadn't really ever done before. It was hard for me, especially with Stallone directing. And we have all of these other guys there. Stallone is a pretty tough director. You don't mess with him. But those scenes certainly proved that comedy in these types of films is very important. I think it works for me. Maybe that will be my secret weapon in the future of my career. I hope, anyway."
As for the future, Lundgren is unsure whether
The Expendables will be a one-off or the start of a franchise.
"Stallone is huge on sequels. I don't know what is going to happen. Even so, I think people are going to love this film. And want another one. They are going to be thrilled by what they see on that screen. Especially when I am going up against Sly. We are both friends and enemies in this movie. I think it's going to be really good."