Action icon Sylvester Stallone is gearing up to star in his 1993 follow-up movie, Cliffhanger but there’s one other actor who could best replace him in the film.

Hollywood megastar Sylvester Stallone has defined the genre of action. He started as an actor at a time when the American film industry’s action scene was quite different. With movies like 1976’s Rocky and 2008’s Rambo, Stallone emerged as the ideal action star. Even though he faced stiff competition from only one other star, bodybuilder turned-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, with time other notable stars have surfaced.

Sylvester Stallone in and as Rocky

The Expendables franchise showcased an ensemble cast of action stars, starring Stallone along with Jason Statham and Dolph Lundgren, among others. Notably, the flambeau of the action genre was carried on by Statham in the 2000s. At 77, Sly is set to star in a sequel of one of his iconic movies, Cliffhanger. However, if thinking of another best choice who could replace him in the film, there’s one name that pops up.

Jason Statham could take the lead

Jason Statham

With too many action hits under his belt, Jason Statham is the ideal replacement Hollywood can make with Sly in this era. The 56-year-old star has starred in movies like Death Race, The Mechanic, Transporter, and Meg, amid several other notable films. Moreover, his versatility in the action-thriller genre is mind-blowing.

Statham has already worked alongside Sly in The Expendables franchise. Hence, learning from the best, it is likely that even Sly would not mind his sequel being taken on by the English actor. However, Statham witnessed one of the biggest flops of his career in 2023 and the film franchise as well with Expen4bles, the fourth sequel of the film series. News of Cliffhanger 2 has got the discussions going on the new plotline of the iconic 1993 movie.

According to Collider, Sylvester Stallone was already announced to star in his follow-up film Cliffhanger 2. Previously directed by Renny Harlin, the reins to the sequel will be handled by Greenland director Ric Roman Waugh. However, rumors erupted if the film would be a reboot or a sequel. Thus, Waugh has made it explicit that he doesn’t do remakes. Cliffhanger 2 will undoubtedly be a sequel, and Stallone’s involvement is pretty self-explaining.

Jason Statham’s upcoming banger

Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in Hobbs & Shaw

While there’s little hope that fans might see the torchbearer of the action genre in Sly’s Cliffhanger sequel, Statham is set to star in The Beekeeper. Expected to release in 2024, the action thriller unfolds around Statham’s Mr. Clay, on a mission of vengeance after being associated with a secret organization called Beekeepers.

The R-rated movie showcases elements typical of a Statham movie, brutal violence, gritty visuals, and strong language, to name a few. The official trailer of The Beekeeper dropped on October 4 and is already gaining popularity among action lovers. As per IMDb, with a scheduled release date of 12 January next year, the David Ayer-led film will also feature Josh Hutcherson, Amber Sienna, Taylor James, and Jeremy Irons.