Mel Gibson and Antonio Bandares Join "The Expendables 3"

A number of reports last June gave tiny indications of what big stars would be joining the cast of " The Expendables 3" the brain child of Sylvester Stallone. The Wrap is now reporting that Mel Gibson and Antonio Bandares are in negotiations with producers to join the film, following the news that Bruce Willis had pulled out of the blockbuster sequel.

Stallone recently tweeted "Mad Max vs. Barney Ross," indicating that Gibson would be playing a villain in the franchise that has brought together the big-muscled action heroes of decades past in all their aged glory: Arnold Schwartzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Chuck Norris, Bruce Willis (though he pulled out of the the third film), and Harrison Ford.

Lionsgate's previous two "Expendable" films were released in mid-August and grossed together over $575 million worldwide. This third installment, with new director Patrick Hughes, is due for release in August 2014.