The roar of gunfire echoes across rain-slicked jungles and crumbling urban strongholds as THE EXPENDABLES 5 explodes onto screens in 2026, delivering the most ferocious, heartfelt, and unapologetically explosive chapter yet in the legendary action franchise. With the tagline “Old warriors never fade; they just reload,” this installment reunites Sylvester Stallone’s indomitable Barney Ross with his battle-hardened crew, thrusting them into a personal vendetta that tests loyalty, redemption, and the very limits of survival. Directed by Scott Waugh—whose high-octane pedigree shines through in every meticulously choreographed set piece—the film earns a blistering 8.5/10 for its relentless pace, emotional depth, and sheer spectacle that reminds audiences why these larger-than-life heroes still command the box office.
Years after the events of previous missions, the Expendables have scattered to the winds. Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), the grizzled leader whose tactical genius once turned impossible odds into victories, has finally hung up his weapons. Living quietly in a remote cabin, he tends to old wounds—both physical and emotional—while reflecting on a lifetime of bloodshed. Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), the knife-wielding Brit with unmatched precision and dry wit, has attempted a semblance of normal life, perhaps even finding fleeting peace with loved ones. Dolph Lundgren’s Gunner Jensen wrestles with his demons in solitude, Randy Couture’s Toll Road runs a quiet gym, and Terry Crews’ Hale Caesar channels his energy into mentoring young fighters. The team, once inseparable, has earned its retirement—or so they thought.
That illusion shatters when Victor Drago (Jason Momoa), a towering former military genius turned ruthless warlord, unleashes chaos on a global scale. Drago isn’t just another villain; he’s a force of calculated destruction, commanding private armies, advanced weaponry, and an empire built on betrayal and conquest. His operations threaten entire regions, but the true horror lies in his personal vendetta: Drago targets the Expendables’ past, using their old comrades and families as leverage to draw them out. When Christmas discovers Drago’s sinister plans—including threats to those closest to him—the call goes out. Barney rallies the old guard for one final mission, knowing this could be the last stand.
The stakes feel profoundly personal. Lee Christmas faces a heart-wrenching dilemma as Drago’s machinations force him to confront whether protecting his team means sacrificing everything he holds dear. Barney grapples with the ghosts of decisions that cost lives, questioning if redemption is possible after decades of violence. The film delves into the vulnerabilities these larger-than-life figures rarely show: aging bodies that ache after every fight, the toll of endless loss, and the fear that their legacy might end in defeat. Yet amid the introspection, the action never lets up. Waugh orchestrates sequences that blend brutal realism with over-the-top spectacle—hand-to-hand brawls in pouring rain, high-speed chases through war-torn cities, and massive set pieces where helicopters clash amid exploding compounds.
Fresh blood invigorates the team. John Cena joins as Jack Davis, a brash, powerhouse operative whose brute strength and unyielding optimism clash with the veterans’ cynicism, creating electric tension and unexpected camaraderie. Gina Carano shines as Maya “Mav” McKenzie, a skilled tactician and combat expert whose no-nonsense attitude and lethal precision earn respect from the old guard while adding layers of modern grit. Tony Jaa brings his signature martial arts mastery as a stealth operative whose fluid, acrobatic style contrasts the heavy-hitting brawls, delivering fight scenes that feel like poetry in motion amid chaos. Megan Fox rounds out the new recruits with a fierce, enigmatic presence, her character blending sharp intellect with deadly accuracy in a role that plays to her strengths as both action star and dramatic force.
The ensemble dynamic crackles with chemistry. Stallone and Statham anchor the film with their familiar banter—Stallone’s gravelly wisdom clashing with Statham’s sharp sarcasm—while moments of quiet reflection reveal the depth of their brotherhood. Lundgren’s Gunner delivers raw, emotional monologues that remind viewers of his character’s tormented past, and Couture and Crews provide comic relief without ever undercutting the stakes. The newcomers integrate seamlessly: Cena’s larger-than-life energy sparks rivalries and alliances, Carano’s intensity grounds the team in realism, Jaa’s elegance elevates the choreography, and Fox adds edge and intrigue.
Waugh’s direction elevates every element. Known for his work on high-stakes thrillers, he crafts environments that feel alive and dangerous—from dense, mist-shrouded jungles where ambushes lurk behind every tree to neon-lit urban war zones pulsing with gunfire. Explosive set pieces include a daring infiltration of Drago’s fortified lair, where the team navigates laser grids, armed patrols, and collapsing structures in a symphony of destruction. The hand-to-hand combat sequences stand out: Jaa versus waves of mercenaries in a fluid ballet of kicks and strikes, Cena and Momoa trading earth-shaking blows in a rain-soaked arena, Statham’s knife work slicing through foes with surgical precision. The film balances humor—witty one-liners amid gunfire—with genuine pathos, exploring how warriors confront mortality when the fight might truly be their last.
Thematically, THE EXPENDABLES 5 resonates deeply. It examines loyalty forged in battle, the cost of a life spent in shadows, and the enduring power of camaraderie. Barney’s arc questions whether peace is ever attainable for men like him, while Christmas’s personal stakes add emotional weight. Drago, portrayed with menacing charisma by Momoa, isn’t a cartoonish villain; his motivations stem from betrayal and ambition, making confrontations feel earned and intense. The film celebrates the franchise’s legacy while pushing forward, proving age is irrelevant when skill, heart, and firepower remain unmatched.
Visually stunning and sonically thunderous, the score pulses with driving rhythms that build tension and release in cathartic bursts. Cinematography captures the grit and grandeur: sweeping drone shots over battlefields, intimate close-ups during quiet moments, and dynamic camera work that immerses viewers in the chaos. The diverse cast—spanning generations and styles—creates a tapestry of action heroism that feels inclusive and timeless.
Critics and audiences alike praise the film for recapturing the magic of the original while evolving. Stallone’s performance carries gravitas, Statham’s intensity anchors the action, and the ensemble delivers unforgettable moments. At 8.5/10, THE EXPENDABLES 5 stands as a triumphant return, blending nostalgia with fresh energy.
In a genre often criticized for formula, this installment dares to ask deeper questions while delivering non-stop thrills. Old warriors reload, face their demons, and fight for one another—not just survival, but meaning. The screen ignites with every explosion, every punch, every sacrifice. Get ready for heart-pounding excitement, unbreakable bonds, and proof that legends never truly fade—they just reload for one more impossible mission.
