Jet Li left "The Expendables 2" primarily due to scheduling conflicts and his commitment to other projects. His character, Yin Yang, has a reduced role in the sequel, as Li was unable to commit to the extensive filming schedule. Additionally, he wanted to focus on spending more time with his family and pursuing different opportunities in his career. His absence was noted, but the film still featured a strong ensemble cast of other action stars.

As of my last update in October 2023, Keanu Reeves is not in "The Expendables 5." The film features a returning cast that includes Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and other familiar faces from the franchise, but there hasn't been any announcement regarding Keanu Reeves joining the cast. The Expendables series typically focuses on action stars from the past, and while Reeves is known for his action roles, he has not been part of this particular franchise.

"The Expendables 2" is generally considered worth watching, especially if you enjoy action films and 80s/90s action star nostalgia. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, delivering plenty of explosive action, humor, and camaraderie. It has a more engaging plot than its predecessor and pays homage to classic action tropes. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, fans of the genre will likely appreciate its over-the-top action and star power.

In "The Expendables 2," actor Chuck Norris was initially approached for a role but turned it down. He later agreed to make a cameo appearance in the film. Additionally, other notable action stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal were also considered for roles, but they did not participate in the film. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, contributing to its appeal as an action-packed ensemble.