If Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and Ralph Macchio’s The Karate Kid are placed side by side, the two films seem oddly similar. With the story of an underdog learning to fight and winning big leagues, The Karate Kid and Rocky seem to have the same story.
Of course, that idea never entered Ralph Macchio’s mind when he starred in the 1984 film. In his interview, however, Robert Mark Kamen revealed that Sylvester Stallone accused the creator of The Karate Kid of ripping off his 1976 movie, Rocky.
Sylvester Stallone Blamed Ralph Macchio’s Movie
With both movies featuring a similar storyline, it seems too big of a coincidence that John G. Avildsen, who was the director of Rocky also directed The Karate Kid in 1984. Since the director was the same, the two films would also depict a similar tone and visuals.
Ralph Macchio found fame by starring in the 1984 film with his iconic portrayal of Daniel LaRusso. On the other hand, Stallone kickstarted his Hollywood career with his 1976 film Rocky. In an interview with The Guardian, the screenwriter of The Karate Kid, Robert Mark Kamen, revealed that Stallone still thinks that he was ripped off by Mark Kamen.
“The director, John, had won an Oscar for Rocky in 1977 but the parallels between the two films never entered my mind, although Sylvester Stallone still swears I ripped him off.”
Although Stallone hurled these accusations for the 1984 film, Ralph Macchio wondered what would happen if Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and his Daniel LaRusso had a fight.
Rocky Balboa vs Daniel LaRusso
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During their time, fans had been wondering about a crossover film where Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso have a fight. Although people loved the idea, the film was never made but Macchio has already decided on the winner in his mind. Sharing the idea with Cinemablend, the actor revealed that he had a certain hero in mind that would win.
“So who would win fight between Rocky or Daniel LaRusso? Yeah, Rocky was my hero growing up. I’d have to bow to Rocky, I think, crane kick or not. You know, that was my hero growing up in 1976.” Macchio shared.
So it seems that Sylvester Stallone does have that reputation of being intimidating. With Stallone’s entry into Hollywood, Rocky received worldwide attention and currently stands at a rating of 8.1/10 on IMDB and a whopping 92% on Rotten Tomatoes while The Karate Kid stands at 89%. Stallone’s epic film is available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S.
