The Expendables 4 to move ahead without Sylvester Stallone

Creative differences have seen the action hero depart the successful film series

Sylvester Stallone has quit The Expendables franchise which was first spearheaded by the Rocky star in 2010.

Sources report that the actor has turned down what would have been 'the biggest upfront payday' of his career due to creative differences with American film company Nu Image.

Stallone - who plays mercenary leader Barney Ross in the series - is said to have been concerned about the quality of the confirmed fourth instalment.

Deadline reports that Nu Image co-founder Avi Lerner believed he could sort out his differences with Sly. He stated: "We’ve got disagreements with Sly, but we’ve had them for over a year and a half. Right now, each one has an opinion. We agreed on 95% of things, but there are certain things in production we don’t agree on. I don’t think it’s over, but write whatever you want.

"In my opinion, it’s not dead.”

Right now, it seems as if The Expendables will move ahead without Stallone. The series, which follows a team of mercenaries, began in 2010 and lured action film fans with the stunt casting of an assortment of action film stars. The third entry into the franchise starred Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture, Terry Crews alongside new cast additions Mel Gibson, Wesley Snipes and Ronda Rousey.

The actor most recently reprised his role of Rocky Balboa for spin-off Creed for which he won a Golden Globe.