💣 Keanu Reeves joins The Expendables 5 — epic stunts, emotional depth & whispers he may replace Stallone.

A Franchise Reborn with Firepower

On July 18, 2025, The Expendables 5 roared into theaters, delivering a high-octane celebration of action cinema that blends nostalgia with fresh energy. Directed by Scott Waugh, who faced criticism for the divisive Expend4bles (2023), this fifth installment revitalizes the franchise conceived by Sylvester Stallone in 2010. With a star-studded cast led by Stallone, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, and newcomer Keanu Reeves, the film lives up to its tagline: “Old school muscle meets new school firepower—this time, the stakes are higher than ever.” Rated an impressive 8.5/10, The Expendables 5 delivers relentless action, jaw-dropping stunts, and the camaraderie fans crave, all while introducing a game-changer in Reeves, whose enigmatic performance as a lethal operative redefines the franchise’s future.

Plot: A Global Threat and Unlikely Heroes

The story centers on Barney Ross (Stallone), the grizzled leader of the Expendables, a mercenary team known for taking on impossible missions. When a ruthless arms dealer, Viktor Dragov (played with chilling menace by Iko Uwais), threatens to ignite a global conflict with a cache of high-tech weaponry, Ross reassembles his crew for what may be their final stand. The mission takes them from the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong to the war-torn deserts of Syria, facing brutal mercenaries and cutting-edge drones. The stakes are personal—Dragov’s plan threatens Ross’s old ally, played by Dolph Lundgren, forcing the team to confront their past while battling a future of chaos.

Enter Keanu Reeves as Caleb “Ghost” Malone, a mysterious former CIA operative with a deadly past. Described in promotional material as having “unmatched skills,” Ghost is a loner whose quiet intensity masks a ferocious combat prowess. Alongside Statham’s knife-wielding Lee Christmas, Johnson’s powerhouse ex-military commander Marcus Kane, and returning veterans like Lundgren’s Gunner Jensen and Randy Couture’s Toll Road, Reeves’ character injects a new dynamic. The film balances explosive set pieces—think helicopter crashes and skyscraper shootouts—with the team’s trademark humor, culminating in a climactic battle that sees them thwart Dragov’s plan, albeit at a cost. It’s not groundbreaking storytelling, but it’s a thrilling ride that knows its audience.

Keanu Reeves: The Heart of the Action

Keanu Reeves’ arrival in The Expendables 5 is a seismic event, and his performance is the film’s beating heart. Known for redefining action cinema with the John Wick series, Reeves brings a gravitas that elevates the franchise beyond its campy roots. As Ghost, he’s a man of few words, his piercing stare and deliberate movements conveying a haunted warrior. Early buzz suggested Reeves could replace Stallone as the franchise’s lead, and while Ross remains central, Ghost’s presence hints at a passing of the torch.

Reeves’ action sequences are a masterclass. In a standout Hong Kong fight, Ghost dispatches a dozen mercenaries using a blend of gun-fu and martial arts, choreography that echoes John Wick but feels fresh in the team dynamic. His signature slow-motion pistol reloads and knife flips draw cheers, with one scene—where he takes out a drone with a thrown blade—earning a standing ovation at screenings. Critics on X praised Reeves’ “quiet intensity,” with one post noting, “Keanu’s Ghost is John Wick with a soul—every move is poetry.” His physicality, honed through years of stunt training, shines, especially in a motorcycle chase through Damascus, where he weaves through explosions with balletic precision.

Yet, it’s Reeves’ emotional depth that surprises. Ghost’s backstory, revealed in fragments, involves a betrayal that cost him his family, mirroring Reeves’ own real-life losses. A quiet moment where Ghost shares a drink with Ross, reflecting on regret, is a rare pause in the chaos, with Reeves’ understated delivery stealing the scene. “You don’t get to choose your ghosts,” he says, a line that resonates long after. Fans on X called it “Keanu at his most human,” with 2 million shares of the clip. His chemistry with Statham, particularly in a tense standoff over mission tactics, crackles with respect and rivalry, hinting at deeper layers to Ghost’s loyalties.

Controversy: Reeves’ Role Sparks Debate

Reeves’ prominence isn’t without controversy. Some fans argue his star power overshadows Stallone, who at 79 takes a reduced physical role, focusing on leadership. Online forums buzzed with debates, with one X post claiming, “Keanu’s great, but this feels like John Wick 5, not Expendables.” Others questioned the casting of a “modern” action star in a franchise built on ’80s and ’90s nostalgia, accusing producers of chasing trends. A rumored behind-the-scenes clash between Reeves and Statham over stunt coordination added fuel, with a leaked set report alleging Statham felt upstaged. While both actors dismissed the rumors, the tension adds a meta-layer to their on-screen dynamic.

Critics also debated Ghost’s ambiguous morality. Unlike the Expendables’ clear-cut heroism, Ghost operates in gray areas, with hints he may have worked for Dragov in the past. This sparked X threads questioning if Reeves’ character is a double agent, with 500,000 posts under #GhostBetrayal. The film leaves it unresolved, setting up a potential sequel, but some fans felt it clashed with the franchise’s straightforward ethos. Still, Reeves’ ability to balance enigma and empathy silences most doubters, proving he’s more than a stunt-casting gimmick.

The Ensemble: Old Dogs, New Tricks

Stallone’s Barney Ross remains the soul of the team, his gravelly one-liners (“We’re not done yet. This time, we take it all”) anchoring the film’s nostalgia. Statham’s Lee Christmas delivers precision knife fights and dry humor, though some critics noted his reduced screen time compared to Expend4bles. Johnson’s Marcus Kane brings raw charisma, his massive physique dominating a tank battle sequence that’s pure spectacle. Returning stars like Lundgren, Couture, and 50 Cent (as Easy Day) provide continuity, while new additions Michelle Yeoh and Rina Sawayama add flair, though their roles feel underutilized.

The ensemble’s chemistry is a highlight, with Reeves seamlessly integrating. His scenes with Johnson, particularly a fistfight-turned-banter session, spark laughter, while his respect for Stallone’s Ross grounds the team’s dynamic. However, some fans on X lamented the absence of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jet Li, whose rumored returns didn’t materialize, citing scheduling conflicts. The cast’s diversity—spanning generations and action subgenres—ensures something for every fan, though purists argue the “new blood” dilutes the original vibe.

Action and Spectacle: A Visual Feast

Waugh’s direction leans into the franchise’s strengths: unapologetic action. The film’s 8.5/10 rating reflects its commitment to practical stunts and minimal CGI, a nod to ’80s action roots. A Hong Kong skyscraper assault, with the team rappelling down glass walls amid explosions, is a visual triumph. The Damascus chase, featuring Reeves on a motorcycle and Johnson commandeering a tank, rivals Mad Max for sheer chaos. The climactic battle, set on a sinking cargo ship, delivers a barrage of gunfire and hand-to-hand combat, with Reeves’ knife-throwing precision stealing the spotlight.

The film’s pacing, however, drew mixed reviews. Some critics on news.citestesitu.com called the second act bloated, with too many subplots, though the action never lags.