Wesley Snipes is not making the typical re-entry into society after his recent release from federal prison. Sylvester Stallone has already offered the famous action star a role in the latest “Expendables” movie. Unlike Snipes, the typical ex-offender will not find a job waiting for him upon his release. If the former inmate is lucky, his or her family will be there to support the returning citizen on a very bumpy road back into society. Most former inmates will have major difficulties finding any job. The job interviewer’s face will express skepticism after learning of his prison record. There will be emotional and financial problems at home. Yet, even with all of the obstacles confronting former inmates, many inmates will succeed with the help of their families or with the help of organizations that are dedicated to returning citizens having successful lives. With perseverance, fortitude, and some help, the former inmate will become once again part of society. Still, it does not hurt to be an ex–inmate movie star as reported in the following article.
BY MARIANNE GARVEY AND BRIAN NIEMIETZ – Daily News
A week after being released from McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania, Wesley Trent UP & DOWN SILO:Snipes has a job waiting for him, according to Hollywood insiders. Action legend Sylvester Stallone has offered Snipes a role in his new “Expendables” sequel.
“Sly wants to help Wesley get back on his feet,” a Tinseltown mole tells Confidenti@l. “He sees him as a super addition to ‘The Expendables’ in what will be their biggest adventure yet.”
After being convicted of tax evasion in 2008 and going to prison in December 2010, Snipes was released from prison last Tuesday and is under house arrest until July 19.
“The script is being processed and Sly wants Wesley to jump on board,” says our insider. “Filming is likely to start late this year.”
Our insider confirms that in addition to landing 50-year-old Snipes, Stallone has his sights set on Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jackie Chan, Clint Eastwood and Harrison Ford for “The Expendables Three.”
Though Stallone’s reps declined to comment on the offer, the weightlifting writer/actor/director is known for being hands-on with projects. After the last “Expendables” flick, co-star Jason Statham reportedly said, “Sly doesn’t do agents. He just picks up the phone and calls direct.”
On March 12, Stallone, 66, took to Twitter to hype a third “Expendables” film. He wrote from his verified account @TheSlyStallone, “Writing EX3 at the moment … there are going to be mountains of surprises.” In a separate post, he tweeted that “EX3 needs NEW blood and more humor. … The films were always meant to be more on the humorous side with moments of drama.”
Compared to Eastwood, who’s 82, Schwarzenegger, 65, and Ford, 70, Snipes is practically a teenager.
On March 31, two days before Snipes’ release and hours before April Fools’ Day, Stallone tweeted, “Happy Easter. … I found my new Expendable! Hop to it!” He then posted a photo of himself alongside someone in a life-sized bunny suit.
This would be a welcome payday for Snipes. The original 2010 “Expendables” grossed $275 million worldwide. It’s 2012 sequel topped the $300 million mark. Let’s hope that whatever Snipes takes home, he remembers to give Uncle Sam his cut this time around.
By Madeleine–all should have it this way
By Victoria–Maybe Stallone and Snipes could work for the greater good of ex-offenders. They just don’t know what it is like trying to get a ‘regular’ job.. and or be accepted in to society with out the stigma of CF convicted felon!
By Javan–If mr. Stallone is looking to give more work I could use a gig
By Andrew–I was convicted of a felony ten years ago, did two-and-a-half years, and spent my time going to group counseling, volunteering, clerking for the big-wigs, even teaching a sign-language class and translating for the hard-of-hearing inmates. I did my best to rehabilitate myself, and when I was paroled, I tried to close that chapter of my life and move forward. I cannot consider my family a source of support; because of their collective criminal mindset, I have chosen not to have contact with them for the last 7+ years–a very difficult and painful decision, but one that was necessary… Read more »
Bradley– Unfortunately, too many former inmates have the same story. Successful at rehabilitation, but very few willing to give the returning citizen a chance. Yet, they are upset about the high rate of recidivism.
By Joyce–We can’t blame Mr. Snipes for having a life before his incarceration and the relationships he built. He is blessed to have those and shows me how important it is to build honest and trusting relationships in this process, he had a life before incarceration.