Stallone (who not only stars in, but also co-wrote and directed the film) turned up to the premiere in person, and was also joined by Statham and Lundgren, and welcomed by the British military, and even the Royal Guard, as well as a whole host of celebrity guests that unfortunately didn’t include the likes of Steve Austin and Mickey Rourke (who stars in the film, but doesn’t generally like to watch his own movies), or Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis (who both make cameo appearances in the film).
The celebrity guests might not have been quite as A-List as those who turned out to the World Premiere in Los Angeles, or been quite as glamourous as those sure to turn up to the showing in Las Vegas, but did include some minor British stars (such as Eastenders actress Preeya Kalidas, pop-singer Liz McClarnon, and model/TV presenter Lisa Snowdon), as well as glamour model Katie Price; who once again tried to steal the show by turning up in a see-through tunic, and knee-high boots, before stopping to pose for the cameras.
Overall The Expendables was extremely well received (and that should come as no surprise if the original trailer, or our review, is anything to go by), and it appears that Stallone, Lundgren, and Statham all had a good time; having met troops from the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment earlier in the day, and checking out some of the weaponry used by the regiment.
Stallone was also very pleased to be see British military officers at the premiere, as the premiere itself was supporting the military charity The Force Select Foundation, and was not short of praise, as he laughed as the crowd cheered “Rocky! Rocky!”, and was lauded with affection from both Lundgren; who worked with him on Rocky IV “25 years ago”, and stated that Stallone is “pretty talented” and that he “likes working with him”; and Statham, who says that despite holding Sly on a pedestal “he’s everything you’d hoped him to be. He’s twice the man, so funny, and it’s a privilege to meet somebody like that”, going on to add that Stallone is “the best man to take to the boozer.”
The Expendables will be released in U.S. theatres on August 13th, and then opening in U.K. cinemas on August 20th, but for those actions fans who can’t wait quite that long, the Empire premiere report can be viewed below, the trailer can be viewed online here, and our full review of the film can be read online here.
