Rocky Balboa, also known as Rocky VI, is the sixth installment within the revered boxing film franchise. Released in 2006, it marked Sylvester Stallone’s return to his iconic role as Rocky Balboa. However, the preparation process for the film took a toll on Stallone’s body.
The movie adopts a contemplative and emotionally charged atmosphere as an aging Rocky, retired from the ring, grapples with personal losses and a yearning for one last battle. The narrative revolves around an impromptu street match against Mason Dixon, portrayed by real-life boxer Antonio Tarver.
Preparing For Rocky Balboa Was A Nightmare For Sylvester Stallone
During an appearance at Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, Sylvester Stallone was inquired about his process for preparing Rocky Balboa. In response, Stallone unequivocally declared that he had put the Rocky character to rest, humorously pondering what he might square off against next – “arthritis!“
Sylvester Stallone mentioned that he found it satisfying to let himself go for a while, but he realized it became a routine. Knowing he’d be continuously on camera motivated him to hit the gym. He pointed out that typically, when you have a driving force, you push yourself, and afterward, you can ease up. He expressed his dislike for the process of getting back in shape, explaining it wasn’t something he eagerly anticipated, likening it to potentially getting a hernia.
Sylvester Stallone told Ross:
“It actually was great just let myself go but I thought, it becomes like a habit you know, it like if you know you’re running on fear, if you know you’re going to be on film forever, that’ll get you going to the gym… Normally, when you have something that’s driving you, you have to do it and then afterwards you let it go. I hate it [getting back in shape], it’s not like I can’t wait to go in there and get a hernia.”
“Rocky Balboa” reignited the gritty essence of the original film, focusing on character growth and the enduring human spirit, concluding the series with heartfelt resonance.
Sylvester Stallone Explains Why He Returned To Rambo Series
With Stallone currently at the age of 77, anticipating him to deliver punches akin to Rocky Balboa or handling the most perilous weapons like the younger Barney might be an unreasonable demand. Nevertheless, the worldwide box office earnings of only $42.7 million for Expend4bles underscore the significance of affording ample screen time to these beloved characters.
Given his track record, it’s improbable that Stallone will avoid the possible trials of taking on another Expendables film, even in the later stages of his career. As evidence, he reprised his role as Rambo in Rambo: Last Blood in 2019.
Stallone told Variety:
“The warrior can never find peace. He just can’t.”
The film didn’t achieve blockbuster status but performed decently, raking in $91.5 million in global box office revenue. What truly mattered, though, was the overwhelming adoration it received from Stallone’s devoted fanbase, who relished seeing the muscular Vietnam veteran in action once more.
Rocky Balboa is available for streaming on FuboTV.
