"So Quintessential To The Comedic Moments"

The Expendables 4 director Scott Waugh explains how the movie worked around Antonio Banderas' inability to return and developed his character's son.

Summary

• Director Scott Waugh explains Antonio Banderas' absence in The Expendables 4 due to availability, but assures that Galan provides similar comedic elements as Galgo.
• Banderas' character was a fan favorite in The Expendables 3, but his absence is balanced by the inclusion of Galan, played by Jacob Scipio.
• Other high-profile actors missing from The Expendables 4 include Wesley Snipes and Harrison Ford, while the movie also features a reduced role for Sylvester Stallone and introduces several new cast members.

The Expendables 4 director Scott Waugh explains how the movie worked around Antonio Banderas' inability to return. The actor portrayed Galgo in The Expendables 3, a former member of the Spanish Legion whose personality and eagerness to join Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) made him a fan favorite. The latest entry in the action franchise tracks the titular group of mercenaries and their efforts to prevent World War III. Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture reprise their characters in The Expendables 4, and while Banderas is noticeably absent from the cast, Jacob Scipio appears as his character's son, Galan.

During a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Waugh revealed that Banderas did not return to The Expendables 4 due to availability, but noted that his character "was so quintessential to the comedic moments." The director explained that Galgo's dialogue was reworked for his son and went on to praise Scipio's performance in the movie. Read Waugh's comments regarding Banderas' absence in The Expendables 4 below:

"Look, actor availability is always difficult when you have this many celebrities. So that character was originally written for Antonio, but Antonio's availability didn't allow him to be in the movie. So I didn't want to get rid of that dialogue and that character because it was so quintessential to the comedic moments. And so we came up with this idea of, 'What about if it's his son?' And so we could still have the same vibe as Antonio, but a little bit different. He is not replicating Antonio. So that's when Jacob Scipio came in and really kind of brought that character to life. And I think he does a great job in the movie."

Banderas Isn't The Only Actor Missing In Expendables 4

Banderas' character was a source of humor throughout The Expendables 3, lying about his identity to meet Ross and jumping at the opportunity to assist on missions. Because Galgo had officially joined the team at the end of the movie, viewers might be upset to learn about his absence this time around. However, as Waugh mentioned, Galan provides similar characteristics and still allows The Expendables 4 to insert comedic elements into various situations.

Along with Banderas, other high-profile actors missing from The Expendables 4 include Wesley Snipes and Harrison Ford, who portrayed Doctor Death and Max Drummer, respectively. Galgo was not the only new recruit from The Expendables 3 to be left out either. Kellun Lutz, Ronda Rousey, and Glenn Powell didn't return as Expendables team members, despite the previous installment suggesting they could.

The latest entry features only a few returning stars, and even Stallone's role was reduced. When it comes to the rest of The Expendable 4's cast, Scipio is joined by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Levy Tran, Megan Fox, and Andy García. It's unclear whether The Expendables 5 will happen, and it would be interesting to see Banderas reprise his role now that Galan was introduced.

Source: ComicBook.com