The Expendables 2 will be R-rated according to Sylvester Stallone, quashing previous rumours that the upcoming sequel would be aiming for a family-friendly certificate to maximise its potential audience.



Giving The Stallone Zone a concise comment on the matter, Stallone said: “After taking in all the odd rumours and hearsay, EXPENDABLES II is an R.” Which sounds pretty conclusive to us.



The film had previously been thought to have been toned down due to the involvement of Chuck Norris . The grizzled action star had reportedly insisted that the script involve no swearing if he were to sign on to make an appearance.



Indeed, Stallone himself had previously confirmed that the film would be a PG-13, telling AICN as much in a brief statement earlier in the year. “The PG-13 rumour is true,” he said, “ but before your readers pass judgement, trust me when I say this film is large in every way and delivers on every level.”



It could yet be the case that Norris’ no-swear rule has been adhered to, but that the R-Rating is a result of the inevitable glut of blood-spattered violence. We can only hope so, anyway. The Expendables 2 opens in the UK on 17 August 2012.