'The Expendables 4' release date, latest news: Sylvester Stallone announces filming to commence in 2017

Fans of action films from the 80s and 90s will be enjoying another movie reminiscing the era of over-the-top, violent, explosive and testosterone-fueled action flicks with the targeted launch of a fourth installment to Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" film franchise.

In a personal video message posted on Facebook, Stallone informed his fans that "The Expendables 4" is looking to commence filming sometime next year. He also shared that he has already begun his workout regime to properly get into shape for the upcoming film. He also teased that the fourth film will be bringing in something "different" to the franchise.

"The Expendables" franchise has always been more about producing throwback action movies rather than being story-driven. Hence, the interest in the fourth "Expendables" movie is mostly more focused on who will be in the movie rather than what it will be about.

It was previously reported that aside from Sylvester Stallone, action superstars Jason Statham ("The Transporter" film franchise) and Arnold Schwarzenegger ("The Terminator" film franchise) will also be returning for "The Expendables 4" to reprise their roles. Other action film actors such as Jet Li, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, and Terry Crews are also expected to return, considering their consistent appearances in the three previous films.

"The Expendables" is about a team of mercenaries of the same name who always embark on dangerous missions, fighting criminals and crime lords whilst wearing matching military-like uniforms. According to Cinema Blend, the films contain tongue-in-cheek references to iconic action movies of the past, featuring the biggest action legends uttering their classic catchphrases from the old action films they are known for.

The first two "Expendables" films were rated R, but "The Expendables 3" was given a PG-13 rating. Although it is yet to be known if "The Expendables 4" will be given the rated R treatment or a PG-13 rating, it is possible that the people behind the movie will want it to be given a much bloodier rating to ride on the recent trend and success of R-rated action films like "Deadpool" and "John Wick."

Should everything go as planned, fans should expect the release of "The Expendables 4" sometime in 2017.