Stallone looking for 'Expendables 2' director

Sylvester Stallone is currently putting together a list of potential directors to helm the forthcoming sequel to The Expendables, it has been claimed.

The Rocky star, who wrote and directed the 2010 ensemble action picture, has again insisted that he is not directing The Expendables 2, reports Deadline.

Stallone is also reportedly lobbying for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, who both appeared briefly in the original film, to star in the project.

Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren and Terry Crews are expected to reprise their roles from the original movie, but an official cast list for the sequel has not yet been announced.

Studio Lionsgate announced that The Expendables 2 would arrive in cinemas in August 2012.

Stallone previously stated that he wanted to step aside from writing and directing duties on the second picture.