Jean-Claude Van Damme Turned Down Sylvester Stallone’s Biggest Action Franchise

Jean-Claude Van Damme wants to better understand his roles and decided not to participate in the franchise for the same reason. Having done a gamut of blockbuster action films, Van Damme has always been a sought-after star with directors in the genre. The Double Impact actor was approached by none other than Sylvester Stallone for The Expendables, which saw a star-studded cast of veteran action superstars sharing screen space together. Van Damme though turned down the offer despite being offered a hefty paycheck.

Why Jean-Claude Van Damme Refused To Be Part Of The Expendables

Jean-Claude Van Damme’s penchant for action has made him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars over the years. The Bloodsport actor, who has carved out a unique space for himself in the genre, got the opportunity to be part of a brilliant ensemble in Sylvester Stallone’s The Expendables. With Stallone himself helming the film alongside actors like Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Steve Austin and others, Van Damme’s inclusion would also add an extra spark. However, the Belgian star was not impressed by the pedigree and turned down Stallone’s offer. In a quote that appeared on IMDb (via Total Film), Van Damme detailed his reasons for turning it down, despite being promised a potentially huge salary for the film.

“He said, ‘You’re gonna make lots of money.’ I don’t want to hear that, I want to hear what was my character. He was unable to tell what it’s going to be. Stallone said ‘You know, uh, well, the fighting will be good.’ So I said ‘what is my character?’ So I didn’t do the movie.”

Although Van Damme took the high ground and rejected his role in The Expendables, the star subsequently signed on for The Expendables 2, in which he played the antagonist. Jean-Claude Van Damme has been widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s biggest and most popular exponents of martial arts. Is currently in his 63s but is still able to land his stunts perfectly. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Van Damme shared the secret behind his amazing fitness and how he modified his regime with age.

Every Actor Who Turned Down The Expendables

“Stretching has to be consistent, and not even in a gym. You can do it anywhere. I’m stretching all the time, like a cat. So right now I’m doing very well. I’m also taking lots of good products — dried fruits and ribose — I’m like a pharmacy.”