The Expendables 2 hits theaters this weekend, but as early as a few months ago Randy Couture had mentioned that a third installment in the action series was already in the works. While this weekend's box office could make that greenlight a little bit easier, there's still no greenlight for the sequel just yet. However, Sylvester Stallone and producer Avi Lerner are already fielding possible cast additions to make the gigantic cast even bigger for the third time out. Now, Lerner has revealed that they already have one star committed while they're looking to aim a bit older to bring some more top names to the series and also to bring back one central piece of the puzzle back to the story.

Speaking with Total Film (via The Playlist), Lerner revealed “We’ve approached Clint Eastwood to be one of the guys, we’ve got a character in mind for him. We’re talking to Harrison Ford. [And we want] Wesley Snipes when he comes back from prison." With Ford and Eastwood obviously in mind, could there be an older group of mercenaries to possibly consult in the third feature? Snipes could easily fit in among the current group of action stars, but exactly where the older actors could squeeze is uncertain.

But among all of these stars, is there anyone that is truly ready to join the ranks? Apparently so as Lerner continues, "I’ll give you one more name, we’ve got Nicolas Cage to play [one of the characters]". There's no confirmation on Cage just yet but given that the actor's project list is relatively open for the time being, it's certainly not a stretch.

One of the biggest cast shake-ups for The Expendables 2 is that Mickey Rourke is the only member of the original film who won't be back to play his supporting role as a former Expendable in the sequel. Word has it that his character may be killed off in order to fuel the story, but apparently that may not be the case as Lerner also reveals "And we’re going to bring Mickey Rourke back, if he won’t be too crazy. I like Mickey. And of course, all the existing stars [will return]."

Rourke was expected to reprise his role of Tool for the second film until he dropped out due to reports of a major personality clash with other actors on set along with a lack of financial incentive to return. With Lerner looking to hunt down names like Ford and Eastwood for appearances along with the cast of stars to return once more, could there be enough of a budget to bring back Rourke again? Or is it time to just call it quits in hoping he'll return?

For now, The Expendables 3 is only in the "possible" column until the sequel starts raking in money. With a rumored budget of $100 million, the R-rated action follow-up will certainly need a strong worldwide release to impress Lionsgate and make a next installment a reality.

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