The success of "Creed" has started rumours that star Sylvester Stallone would be leaving the "The Expendables" franchise in favour of a "Creed" sequel.

Reports of Stallone's departure from the hit franchise are a cause of concern for fans as the actor's character, Barney Ross, is the "The Expendables" de facto leader. It also opens the possibility that without Stallone, the other actors might not be amenable to doing another installation of the series.

Terry Crews, who has played Hale Caesar in the three "Expendables" films, previously mentioned that his return to "The Expendables 4" is contingent on whether or not Stallone also returns. The former football player talked to Slash Film about the upcoming movie during a party for the Television Critics Association. The 47-year-old actor said that with Stallone winning a Golden Globe for "Creed" and the movie being nominated for an Academy Award, the "Rocky" actor might opt to pursue the opportunities that would no doubt be opened to him. As for returning to the ensemble cast of the "The Expendables," Crews says he'll do whatever Stallone says.

"He's like my dad. He's literally my dad in the business," Crews explained. "If Sly's like, 'I'm out of this thing,' I don't see myself doing it."

Jason Statham echoed a similar statement as well. The "Transporter" actor, who plays Ross' wing man Lee Christmas, told IGN that working with Stallone is a privilege and that he's willing to do as many "Expendables" movies as Stallone wants.

Of course, reports of Stallone not being part of "The Expendables 4" are just what the rumour mill has churned out. The actor himself has not made any comments about it.

There have also been numerous speculations as to which big name action stars will be joining the next outing. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is said to be keen on portraying the movie's antagonist while Jack Nicholson is reported to be Stallone's choice for the villain.

"The Expendables 4" will reportedly hit movie theatres in 2017.