Do we smell a comeback? We're all for being optimistic… but let's give it the ol' wait and see.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Mel Gibson has signed on to "The Expendables 3", the third installment of Sylvester Stallone's explosion-filled, testosterone-heavy action series. Gibson will play the film's resident bad guy, confirming previous rumors that the actor/director was in talks for the franchise. He will join an impressive collection of action stars, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Milla Jovovich and Jackie Chan.

Gibson, of course, made headlines back in 2010 when his racist and misogynistic rants were caught on tape and released to the public. These tirades were accompanied by well-publicized instances of homophobia, DUIs, and domestic violence. Not surprisingly, his subsequent films failed to rack up the big bucks at the box office, but perhaps his foray into the "Expendables" franchise — and his upcoming "Machete Kills" — will change that.

This casting news also comes amidst reports that Bruce Willis dropped out of the project due to ridiculous — as in $1 million-per-day-ridiculous — salary demands. Harrison Ford jumped in to replace Willis, prompting Stallone's support via Twitter. (!!! IN ALL CAPS !!!, no less.) This announcement then sparked even more question marks when Ford revealed that he has never seen any of the "Expendables" films. (What's Sly gonna say about that?)

Phew. The movie hasn't even started production yet, but it's already seen its fair share of salary disputes, Twitter blowouts and casting controversies. What can we expect next? Tons, it seems, as it'll be a whole year 'til the flick hits the big screen.

"The Expendables 3" is currently slated for an Aug. 15, 2014 release.