Sylvester Stallone has confirmed The Expendables 4 will be his last film in the franchise, leaving Jason Statham to lead future films.
The Barney Ross actor co-created the action-thriller films in 2010 alongside screenwriter David Callaham, and has starred in all three films released to date.
In a video on his Instagram page, Stallone explained why he would not be returning to the series after filming wraps on the upcoming fourth film.
"It's time to be moving on. This will be my last day, so I'm enjoying it but it's always bittersweet, you know," he told fans.
"When something you've been so attached to, I guess it's been about 12 years, and I'm ready to pass the baton on to Jason [Statham] and his capable hands."
The films all feature an ensemble cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture and Dolph Lundgren, who have each featured in all the films and are set to return in the fourth movie too.
Previously, there were questions as to whether Stallone would even return for the fourth installment after leaving the cast in 2017 and citing creative differences over the script and direction. But in early 2018, he rejoined the cast to reprise his role.
In the video, he continued: "The greatest thing is being able to provide films that are somewhat entertainment and maybe there's a little message in there, because what I try to convey in my successful films is the human touch, the bond. Not so much the action, the action is self-evident.
"It's just relating to the audience in a way that they can identify with whatever the mission is with the characters at hand… Just providing escapism and hopefully there's a little something extra in there. That's the hard part: heart, energy and humor.
"Anyway, I'll be leaving tomorrow, heading back to the good old US of A. Can't wait. And getting ready to accept the next challenge."
The upcoming movie has not yet announced a release date, but has confirmed some fresh faces joining the cast. Power's 50 Cent, Transformers' Megan Fox, and Furious 7 star Tony Jaa are all joining the franchise for the first time.
There are also some fan favourites who will not be returning for the next chapter: Jet Li and Terry Crews will not be reprising their roles.
