Action films have never been more epic in terms of casting than the Expendables films especially when they involve big-name stars like Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But the third edition of the explosive franchise is set to feature its biggest ensemble yet after the official trailer for The Expendables III was released earlier today.

Directed by newcomer Patrick Hughes (Red Hill), the plot sees leader Barney Ross (Stallone) and his team of kick-ass mercenaries embark on a mission to take down the founder of their group after he was initially presumed dead.

Oscar-winner Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon series, Braveheart) plays the villain with other eye-catching newcomers to the cast including Harrison Ford (Star Wars series, Indiana Jones series), Antonio Banderas (Desperado, The Mask of Zorro), Kelsey Grammar (Cheers, Frasier) and Wesley Snipes (Demolition Man, Blade series), the latter of whom was released from prison last year.

Original stars Randy Couture and Terry Crews are also back though there is no return for Bruce Willis despite his close association with Stallone and Schwarzenegger.

The Expendables III will be released in cinemas on August 15th.