Forest Whitaker Replacement by 50 Cent in 'The Expendables' Addressed

As many are buzzing over the replacement of Forest Whitaker with 50 Cent in "The Expendables", director/writer/actor Sylvester Stallone took it to StalloneZone to explain his decision on the replacement issue. Insisting that he is not "self-destructive", he wrote in a message addressed to administrator Craig Zablo, "The anger of the casting of 50 Cent is understandable, but not fair."

"A player is only as good as his coach," he continued explaining in 50's defense. "If a man can communicate in one medium, he can communicate in another if his strengths are brought out and he has the support of well-wishers. So, trust me, the change of Forest Whitaker to 50 Cent AKA Curtis Jackson is a good one."

Stallone further pointed out on other casting which turned out fine. "No one thought Dolph Lundgren was a good choice for ROCKY or Mr. T for Rocky III. Carl Weathers was an afterthought when Ken Norton fell out. The same with Talia Shire and Richard Crenna (who was known as a comedic actor, not a serious one)," he noted. "Nobody wanted Eric Roberts over Ben Kingsley, but I believe it's a vastly improved casting."

The 62-year-old ended his message, writing "The point is, you either believe in me and the project, setting your personal feelings aside, or you take a darker approach, which really serves no purpose since your insight and suggestions and overall enthusiasm are a great thrill for me to behold everyday I sign on."

Prior to Stallone's explanation, it has been reported that the shooting delay of "The Expendables" has taken its toll as Forest Whitaker has been reported to drop out from the project. Breaking the news was Ain't It Cool News, which claimed that Whitaker's exit is caused by a scheduling conflict following report that the shooting of the action film has been pushed back a month. It was further revealed that in place of the star of "The Last King of Scotland", 50 Cent will portray Agent Will Sands.

"The Expendables" centers on a team of mercenaries who heads to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator, who has caused devastation in the last 20 years. It stars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Charisma Carpenter and Arnold Schwarzenegger among others. This Lionsgate Films production is slated for U.S. release on April 23, 2010.