'The Expendables 3' began filming in Bulgaria today, and Lionsgate marked the occasion by sending out a press release that not only confirms most of the crazy ensemble cast but teases a plot that sounds just nutty enough to earn back our attention after the mediocre second film. If you aren't on board the 'Expendables' bandwagon (and we totally wouldn't blame you if you're not), just know that Mel Gibson is playing a character named Conrad Stonebanks. Conrad Stonebanks.

In addition to series regulars Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jet Li, the latter of who may hang around longer than five minutes this time, 'The Expendables 3' will feature Harrison Ford, Antonio Banderas, Wesley Snipes, Kellan Lutz, MMA fighter Ronda Rousey, champion boxer Victor Ortiz and Glenn Powell. Surprisingly, Jackie Chan, Milla Jovovich, Mickey Rourke and Nic Cage, all names reportedly involved with the film, were left out.

But, of course, there's Mel Gibson as Conrad Stonebanks. Conrad Stonebanks!

If you're as curious about what a villain named Conrad Stonebanks would be plotting as we are, all you've go to do is turn to the newly released official synopsis, which reveals that Gibson's bad guy co-founded the Expendables team with Stallone's Barney Ross. It also teases a plot that involves the older crew bringing on a bunch of young whipper-snappers who know all about computers and such. What is that we smell? "Old guys vs. young guys" comedy banter?!

In The Expendables 3, Barney (Stallone), Christmas (Statham) and the rest of the team comes face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney. Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill… or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables -- but Barney has other plans. Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger, faster and more tech-savvy. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

We don't know about you, but the thought of Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone founding a mercenary team together and then finding themselves mortal enemies sounds kind of amazing. Not so amazing that we raise our hopes too high for 'The Expendables 3,' but high enough to earn our ticket money when this thing hits theaters on August 15, 2014.

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