THE EXPENDABLES 5 (2026)

Starring: Jason Statham, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais
Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller

In the latest installment of The Expendables franchise, the Christmas crew is back with a vengeance. After the death of the legendary leader, Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), the team is thrust into a new era, and none other than Christmas (Jason Statham) takes the reins. With the weight of leadership on his shoulders, he’s ready to guide his team on one final, death-defying mission that will push their skills to the absolute limit.

Mission: Steal the Weapon

The film opens with the Expendables grappling with the loss of their beloved leader, Barney, but they don’t have much time to mourn. A global threat has emerged—a rogue nation has secured a powerful nuclear weapon, and it’s up to the Expendables to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands. But this isn’t just any heist—it’s a mission unlike any other. Their target? A fortress buried deep in the freezing Arctic, protected by miles of icy tundra and a near-impenetrable security system. And they must get in, steal the weapon, and get out… without dying in the process.

Christmas, now the man in charge, assembles the team: the deadly, no-nonsense assassin Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), the fierce and agile warrior Ying (Megan Fox), the unstoppable Muay Thai fighter, Prach (Tony Jaa), and the martial arts expert and tactical genius, Uwais (Iko Uwais). Together, they must break through the most sophisticated defense system they’ve ever faced—underground bunkers, arctic warfare, and highly trained mercenaries. It’s a race against time, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Action-Packed, Ice-Cold Warfare

As the Expendables approach the Arctic fortress, the tension mounts. The freezing temperatures, treacherous terrain, and hostile forces are the least of their problems. The fortress itself is a fortress of solitude, well-guarded and heavily fortified. But this team of elite soldiers is well-equipped to handle whatever comes their way. Christmas leads the charge, using his mastery of hand-to-hand combat and weaponry to take down anyone in their path.

Megan Fox, as the skilled sniper and expert in stealth operations, sneaks her way into enemy lines, taking out guards one by one. Her chemistry with Statham’s Christmas adds an unexpected layer of depth and charisma to the high-octane film. Tony Jaa brings his signature martial arts moves to the table, turning every fight into a breathtaking display of precision and power, while Iko Uwais uses his incredible agility and tactical brilliance to outsmart the enemy and protect his team at all costs.

But the true showstopper is the final 70-minute sequence, one of the most thrilling and ambitious action scenes ever captured on film. Shot in a continuous, unbroken take, the sequence takes us on a heart-stopping journey through breaking ice, explosive firefights, and close-quarters combat. The camera follows the crew as they fight their way through enemy lines, racing against time to retrieve the weapon. Every explosion, every bullet, every punch feels more intense as the crew works in perfect unison, displaying an unrelenting drive to complete their mission no matter the cost.

Santa’s Got a Few Tricks Up His Sleeve

As if the action wasn’t already intense enough, the final battle takes an even crazier turn when a flying sleigh appears overhead. Santa Claus, portrayed by a special cameo appearance, drops in from above—not with presents, but with grenades. The ridiculousness of the situation only amplifies the film’s chaotic energy, as the team engages in a firefight while dodging exploding presents, massive snowstorms, and flaming barrels. Santa’s unexpected arrival is both comical and epic, perfectly capturing the spirit of The Expendables—the ridiculous, over-the-top action that the franchise is known for.

This sequence is both jaw-dropping and heart-pounding, with each moment escalating the intensity of the battle. The crew moves through a gauntlet of challenges, fighting against an army of mercenaries, dodging ice storms, and performing impossible stunts—all while being led by their unshakable leader, Christmas. As Santa flies overhead, delivering explosions and chaos, the Expendables become an unstoppable force, proving once again that no one can take down the crew—not even the harshest winter or most dangerous enemies.

Family, Loyalty, and a Whole Lot of Explosions

At the core of The Expendables 5 is the theme of family and loyalty. Though the mission is one of high stakes, it’s clear that the bonds between the Expendables are what make them truly unstoppable. Christmas, though now the leader, never forgets the lessons that Barney taught him—teamwork, sacrifice, and the importance of having each other’s backs, no matter what. The death of Barney serves as a painful reminder of the cost of war, but it also serves as a call to arms for the team to honor their fallen leader by finishing the mission they started.

The camaraderie between the team members is palpable throughout the film. Statham’s Christmas may be the hard-edged leader, but it’s clear that his relationship with his teammates is what drives him forward. Megan Fox’s Ying brings a fierce sense of loyalty and determination to the mission, while Tony Jaa’s Prach fights with an unmatched level of intensity, driven by a deep respect for his team and their mission. Iko Uwais’s character adds a strategic mind and martial arts expertise, ensuring that no matter how tough the enemy, the Expendables always have the upper hand.

As the mission nears its climax, the stakes become even higher, with the Expendables having to make impossible choices in order to succeed. There is no turning back now, and the final battle will test the limits of their physical and emotional endurance. With everything on the line, will the Expendables save the world, or will this be their final mission?

Verdict: 10/10 – Ho-ho-ho, it’s action time!

The Expendables 5 is a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that delivers everything fans love about the franchise—explosions, intense fight sequences, witty one-liners, and larger-than-life characters. This installment takes the stakes higher, adding a new level of intensity, with the team facing off against a seemingly unstoppable enemy. Christmas is now the leader, and his unflinching resolve is tested in ways he never expected.

With a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat and action sequences that are both heart-pounding and jaw-droppingly epic, The Expendables 5 doesn’t just raise the bar—it shatters it. The continuous 70-minute shot of the final battle is nothing short of cinematic brilliance, and the film’s unique blend of heart and high-octane action will keep audiences captivated until the very end.

The addition of Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, and Iko Uwais only enhances the film, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the team. Together with the seasoned veterans like Statham, the Expendables are back in a big way, proving that even with the loss of Barney, the team remains unstoppable.

So, if you’re looking for a film that combines explosive action, humor, and heart, The Expendables 5 is the perfect ride. Ho-ho-ho, it’s action time—this Christmas, prepare for the ultimate mission, the ultimate explosions, and the ultimate team-up.

Final Thoughts:
In The Expendables 5, we see a film that balances action, humor, and emotional depth while delivering on the franchise’s promise of unrelenting thrills. It’s the perfect addition to the series, bringing everything fans have come to expect and more. From the intense action to the surprising cameos and the over-the-top finale, The Expendables 5 is guaranteed to leave you breathless—and laughing—until the very last moment.