Chuck Norris enjoyed renewed popularity due to Conan O'Brien's Walker Texas Ranger lever and the Internet's constant meme factory that came up with sayings to make the Sidekicks star sound cooler than he actually is. Fans, both real and ironic, were excited to hear he was joining The Expendables 2, but his participation may have cut the movie from an R-rating to PG-13.
Hit the jump for what Norris had to say about getting the rating lowered. Whether it's R-rated or PG-13, The Expendables 2 opens August 17th. The film also stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Yu Nan, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Liam Hemsworth, Jean Claude Van Damme, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
[Update: Stallone confirmed the rating will be PG-13. His explanation is now after the jump.
Expendables Premiere (via Arrow in the Head) translated an interview the Polish paper Gazeta did with Norris. Here's what he had to say about his participation on the flick:
"In 'Expendables 2,' there was a lot of vulgar dialogue in the screenplay. Fot this reason, many young people wouldn't be able to watch this. But I don't play in movies like this," Norris explained. "Due to that I said I won't be a part of that if the hardcore language is not erased. Producers accepted my conditions and the movie will be classified in the category of PG-13."
It's bizarre but not surprising that Norris would be more concerned with naughty language rather than violence. It's even less surprising that the MPAA shares his belief. As for the producers, they probably wouldn't mind the opportunity to rake in more cash by opening their movie to teenagers.
But how does Stallone feel about this? He's been the driving force behind these movies and even though he's not directing the sequel, he must know that part of the appeal of The Expendables is letting his characters be macho enough to swear. I don't really care either way as long as the movie is fun, but I find it interesting that Norris would have this much power when there are so many other B-movie action stars populating the movie. I'm also curious to hear what fans of the first film think about the sequel getting a PG-13 rating.
Update: So we know how he feels, Stallone sent the following note to AICN:
"Harry, the film is fantastic with Van Damme turning in an inspired performance... Our final battle is one for the ages. The PG13 rumor is true, but before your readers pass judgement, trust me when I say this film is LARGE in every way and delivers on every level. This movie touches on many emotions which we want to share with the broadest audience possible, BUT, fear not, this Barbeque of Grand scale Ass Bashing will not leave anyone hungry...Sly"
