The Expendables: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

The Expendables (2010) is an American action thriller directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, who co-wrote the script with Dave Callaham. Produced by Nu Image/Millennium Films and distributed by Lionsgate, it pays homage to ’80s action films, following a team of elite mercenaries hired to overthrow a South American dictator while uncovering a CIA-backed coup.

The ensemble cast delivers over-the-top violence, banter, and nostalgia, blending veterans like Stallone with MMA stars like Randy Couture. Filmed in Brazil and New Orleans with a $82 million budget, it grossed $274.3 million worldwide, launching a franchise (three sequels by 2023).

It holds a 42% Rotten Tomatoes score (5.2/10 average), praised for explosive action and chemistry but critiqued for thin plot and dated tropes; the audience score is 54%, loved for fan-service cameos.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross

• Role: Ross, the grizzled leader of the Expendables, assembles his team for a regime change mission, grappling with loyalty and loss. Stallone’s “weathered” dual directorial/starring turn set the franchise tone; appeared in ~100 minutes.
• Net Worth: $400 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born July 6, 1946, New York City, to Jackie (waitress) and Frank Stallone Sr. (barber/pollster). Half-siblings: Toni-Ann, Frank Jr. (actor/musician). Partial facial paralysis from birth complications.
• Relationships: Married Sasha Czack (1974–1985; sons Sage, Seargeoh), Brigitte Nielsen (1985–1987), Jennifer Flavin (1997–present; daughters Sophia, Sistine, Scarlet).
• Post-Film: Starred in Tulsa King (2022–present). Upcoming: Rocky prequel series (2026).

Jason Statham as Lee Christmas

• Role: Christmas, the knife-throwing expert and Ross’s right-hand man, handles close-quarters combat and comic relief. Statham’s “suave tough guy” vibe fit seamlessly; appeared in ~90 minutes.
• Net Worth: $100 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born July 26, 1967, Shirebrook, England, to Barry (street seller) and Eileen Statham (dancer). Brother: Lee. Former national diver.
• Relationships: Engaged to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (2016–present); son Jack (2017), daughter (2022).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Meg 2 (2023). Upcoming: A Working Man (2025).

Jet Li as Yin Yang

• Role: Yang, the acrobatic martial artist, provides high-flying action and banter with Gunner. Li’s “agile” performance was brief due to injury; appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $250 million
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
• Family: Born April 26, 1963, Beijing, China, to Zhang Li (mother; father deceased). Three siblings. Wushu champion from age 11.
• Relationships: Married Huang Qiuyan (1987–1990; daughters Si, Taimi), Nina Li Chi (1999–present; daughters Jane, Jada).
• Post-Film: Starred in Mulan (2020). Limited roles due to hyperthyroidism.

Dolph Lundgren as Gunner Jensen

• Role: Jensen, the volatile demolitions expert, betrays the team early but redeems himself in chaos. Lundgren’s “menacing Swede” archetype shone; appeared in ~70 minutes.
• Net Worth: $18 million
• Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
• Family: Born November 3, 1957, Spånga, Sweden, to Sigrid (teacher) and Karl Lundgren (engineer). Sisters: Annika, Katarina. Chemical engineering degree.
• Relationships: Married Anette Qviberg (1994–2011; daughters Ida, Greta), Emma Krokdal (2023–present).
• Post-Film: Starred in Wanted Man (2023). Upcoming: Expendables 5 (2026).

Eric Roberts as James Monroe

• Role: Monroe, the sleazy CIA operative orchestrating the coup, serves as the human antagonist. Roberts’ “oily villain” was a career highlight; appeared in ~40 minutes.
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born April 18, 1956, Biloxi, Mississippi, to Betty Lou (acting coach) and Walter Roberts (playwright). Sisters: Julia, Lisa.
• Relationships: Married Eliza Garrett (1992–present); daughter Emma (b. 1991) from Kelly Cunningham. Estranged from Julia (reconciled 2004).
• Post-Film: Appeared in Dancing with the Stars (2024). Recent: The Wrong Path (2023).

Randy Couture as Toll Road

• Role: Road, the sniper and family man, brings tactical precision and heart. Couture’s “stoic veteran” drew from his UFC background; appeared in ~60 minutes.
• Net Worth: $7 million
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
• Family: Born June 1, 1963, Everett, Washington, to Sharan and Edward Couture. Three children: Ryan, Caden, Aimee. Army veteran.
• Relationships: Married three times (ex-wives Sharon, Kim, Tricia); dating Mindy Robinson (2014–present).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Best of the Best remake (2024). Upcoming: F Plus (2025).

Terry Crews as Hale Caesar

• Role: Caesar, the heavy weapons specialist, delivers comic muscle and loyalty. Crews’ “boisterous powerhouse” stole scenes; appeared in ~50 minutes. Salary: ~$1 million.
• Net Worth: $25 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born July 30, 1968, Flint, Michigan, to Patricia (ex-soldier) and Terry Crews Sr. (ex-con). Five children: Naomi, Tera, Azrielle, Isaiah, Wynfrey.
• Relationships: Married Rebecca King-Crews (1990–present).
• Post-Film: Starred in My Spy: The Eternal City (2024). Hosts America’s Got Talent.

Steve Austin as Dan Paine

• Role: Paine, Monroe’s brutal enforcer, clashes in gritty fights. Austin’s “wrestling brute” was a natural fit; appeared in ~20 minutes.
• Net Worth: $30 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born December 18, 1964, Victoria, Texas, to Beverly (mother; father left early). Siblings: Scott, Kevin, Jeff. Stepfather: Ken Williams.
• Relationships: Married four times (ex-wives Kathryn, Jeanie, Debra; current Kristin Feres); daughters Stephanie, Cassidy, adopted Jade.
• Post-Film: Hosted Broken Skull Challenge revival (2024). Upcoming: WrestleMania 41 appearance (2025).

Mickey Rourke as Tool

• Role: Tool, the grizzled fixer and Ross’s confidant, adds emotional depth via flashbacks. Rourke’s “haunted vet” was poignant; appeared in ~20 minutes
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born September 16, 1952, Schenectady, New York, to Annette (mother) and Philip Sr. (cab driver; left early). Siblings: Joey, Patricia. Abusive stepfather.
• Relationships: Married Debbie Feuer (1981–1989), Carré Otis (1992–1998); dated Anastassija Makarenko (2009–2015). Single since 2018.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Palace (2023). Upcoming: Celebrity Big Brother UK (2025).

David Zayas as The Contact

• Role: The Contact, a shady informant linking the team to the mission, appears in key briefing scenes. Zayas’ “intense operative” grounded the setup; appeared in ~10 minutes.
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born August 15, 1962, Ponce, Puerto Rico, to Hugo (sanitation worker) and Blanca Zayas. Raised in Bronx. One son: David Jr. (actor).
• Relationships: Married Liza Colón-Zayas (1998–present); daughter Leeanna from prior relationship.
• Post-Film: Starred in Dexter: Resurrection (2025). Recent: Gotham Knights (2023).

Gina Carano as Lacy

• Role: Lacy, a kidnapped aid worker and romantic interest for Gunnar, sparks the team’s motivation. Carano’s “tough survivor” marked her breakout; appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m)
• Family: Born April 16, 1982, Dallas, Texas, to Glenn (ex-NFL QB) and Dana Cason. Sisters: Casey, Christie. Italian heritage.
• Relationships: Dating Kevin Ross (2017–present; on-off since 2005). Previously dated Henry Cavill (2012–2014).
• Post-Film: Starred in Terror on the Prairie (2022). Upcoming: Bloodlines (2025).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Stallone and Statham led at $8–10 million; Li and Rourke ~$2 million; Crews and Roberts ~$1 million; others $200,000–$500,000. The $82 million budget funded Rio shoots, pyrotechnics, and cameos (e.g., Bruce Willis as Church). Streaming residuals (Netflix, Starz) and merch boost earnings.

Casting Insights: Stallone assembled his dream team—Statham for knives, Li for martial arts, Lundgren for size—via personal calls. Couture/Austin/Crews added MMA/WWE authenticity; Carano edged fighters for Lacy via screen test. Roberts was Stallone’s pick for Monroe’s sleaze. Chemistry reads ensured banter.

Impact and Legacy: The Expendables revived ’80s nostalgia, grossing $274 million and spawning sequels ($800M+ total). Fans on X/Reddit hail the “old-school” shootouts and “bromance” but mock the plot. Soundtrack (Brian Tyler score) went gold; no Oscars but cult status. Influenced The Suicide Squad, Red. Streaming on Netflix keeps it alive.

Post-Film Careers: Stallone/Statham franchise kings; Li semi-retired; Lundgren directs; Roberts prolific character actor; Couture/Austin in indies; Crews TV host; Rourke selective; Zayas TV steady; Carano indie post-firing.

Cultural Influence: Revitalized aging action heroes, with “meat feast” cast inspiring crossovers. Critiques note machismo/excess, but empowerment (Carano) and veteran themes resonate. Iconic lines (“I am… inevitable? Wait, wrong movie”) meme on X; franchise debates rage.

Conclusion

The Expendables’ testosterone-fueled cast, driven by Stallone’s vision and Statham’s edge, exploded into a billion-dollar saga despite flaws. Net worths range from $4 million (Carano/Zayas) to $400 million (Stallone), mirroring paths from MMA to moguldom. Lives—from Crews’ family focus to Rourke’s resilience—echo the film’s grit. Its explosive legacy, endless quotables, and streaming endurance make it an action benchmark.