Simon West To Direct THE EXPENDABLES 2

After a long search, Simon West is the choice to direct THE EXPENDABLES 2, the sequel to Lionsgates’ 2010 smash hit action film. West, who most recently directed the remake of THE MECHANIC with Jason Statham and Ben Foster, also directed CON AIR, LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER and THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER. Production begins in the summer.

The sequel is expected to have back an original cast that includes Sylvester Stallone, Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews and Jet Li. Stallone directed the original, which grossed $275 million worldwide, $103 million in Canada & US.

 Synospis:

The Expendables are back and this time it’s personal! After Tool (Mickey Rourke), the heart and soul of the Expendables, is brutally murdered on a mission, his comrades swear to avenge him. They’re not the only ones who want blood. Tool’s beautiful young and wild daughter Fiona embarks on her own revenge mission, complicating matters when she is captured and ransomed by a ruthless dictator plotting to destroy a resistance movement. Now Barney and the Expendables must risk everything to save her and humanity.

Lionsgate will release THE EXPENDABLES 2 on August 17, 2012.