Mickey Rourke won't return for The Expendables 2; will do Seven Psychopaths instead

 The Expendables 2 is currently shooting in Bulgaria, with a few set photos(like the one above) already out there. With Simon West(Con Air) set to direct, most of the principle cast was expected to return, with new additions Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Scott Adkins, and Liam Hemsworth. But one old face won't be back afterall, as Deadline reports Mickey Rourke will be doing another film instead.

Rourke had a small role as Tool, a tattoo guy and associate of the crew who had one of the few "heartfelt" moments in the film. He was expected to return briefly, possibly to be killed as a plot catalyst. Whether or not that plan is still in effect(Tool can be killed off screen or something) is anybody's guess.

So what will Rourke do instead? Back in May he was said to be in talks to join Seven Psychopaths, Martin McDonagh's follow-up to In Bruges. Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, and Sam Rockwell are also aboard the dark comedy, following a screenwriter having trouble completing his script for a film called Seven Psychopaths. He gets drawn into the dognapping schemes of his buddies, who steal a beloved Shih Tzu belonging to a dangerous gangster.  Filming is expected to kick off in the fall, with Rourke set to play the dog loving mobster.

With The Expendables so deep into filming already, I think it's becoming less and less likely we'll see Donnie Yen(Ip Man) join the cast. The same goes Nicolas Cage and John Travolta, both rumored for some sort of appearance.