After an intensive search to find the right guy, it looks like The Mechanic’s Simon West will be directing the much-anticipated sequel The Expendables 2, as Deadline reports that the Con Air helmer is signing on to the flick.
The original Expendables, was written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. This time out, Sly has decided to hand off the directorial duties to someone he can trust, to focus himself on the more intense, physical aspects that his on-screen role demands (or maybe he’s just fed up with director). The actor will also be overseeing the project as a producer, and will have a lot of say in the way the action scenes are choreographed. Make no mistake, this will still very much be a Sylvester Stallone film, which it has to be said, may make life difficult for any director coming in.
Expected to return alongside Sylvester Stallone are former cast mates Jason Statham, Jet Li, and Dolph Lundgren. Bruce Willis is rumored to be joining Jean-Claude Van Damme as the two main villains, with a plot that revolves around the death of Mickey Rourke’s character. The Expendables 2 is expected to shoot late this summer for a summer 2012 release date.