Does Sylvester Stallone need an introduction any more than a fish needs a bicycle? It’s fair to say that the legend himself, standing tall at the ripe age of 78, remains as fit as a fiddle—with muscles still sculpted enough to give men half his age a run for their money.
Indeed, the roles of Rambo and Rocky, synonymous with Stallone’s rugged, punch-packed persona, might’ve brought dazzling limelight to his doorstep, but they’re merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his expansive career. Diving into the skin of these characters was a walk in the park for Stallone, flexing his thespian muscles, which, let’s be honest, was as simple for him as shooting fish in a barrel after so many sequels & battle scenes.
Yet, Taylor Sheridan’s comedy-crime series, Tulsa King, showed a blend of Stallone’s raw toughness seasoned with his sharp wit & unique quirks. But did you know that the actor had initially met Yellowstone’s mastermind for a Rambo sequel? The meeting eventually led to the making of Tulsa King.
Sylvester Stallone’s Collaboration with Taylor Sheridan: The Missed Opportunity
Well, if you think the ring of Rocky Balboa or the relentless jungles of Rambo were the ultimate showcases of Sylvester Stallone’s talents, think again. Enter Tulsa King, a new chapter where the actor embodies the weathered but still powerful Dwight Manfredi.
Not to pour salt in the wound, but Rambo, rather than Rocky Balboa, was the engine that got the cogs turning, eventually leading to Tulsa King. While at a 2022 press roundtable with Den of Geek and other outlets, Stallone and showrunner Terrence Winter discussed in length the origins of this Paramount+ series.
Stallone shared a fascinating tidbit: his initial encounter with Taylor Sheridan over a Rambo sequel, which paved the way for Tulsa King. The story goes that before Sheridan became a household name with Yellowstone, he was approached by the First Blood actor to write the screenplay for a Rambo flick. Stallone recounted:
It’s kind of interesting because I met Taylor a while back, actually riding horses in California. And he was just working on Sicario at the time, and I wanted him to write the screenplay for Rambo because I was getting lazy.
Though that specific project didn’t materialize, the bond between the two creative minds was forged. Fast forward, and Sheridan’s star began to ascend, particularly with his success on Yellowstone, known for its powerful narratives and star-studded casts, including legends like Kevin Costner & Kelly Reilly.
Stallone then mused:
We moved on, and nothing happened, and then he became very successful with Yellowstone.
Meanwhile, Stallone returned to his iconic role as Vietnam veteran John Rambo in 2019’s Rambo: Last Blood, a full eleven years after his previous Rambo film.
Taylor Sheridan on the Phenomenon of Yellowstone’s Success
Have you ever wondered what it takes for a TV show to create vibrations that affect a whole industry? The monumental success of Yellowstone, a modern touchstone in neo-Western drama, has spurred a gold rush of sorts, with studios & production companies hitching their wagons to the genre. Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind this Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, might raise an eyebrow at this trend.
Sheridan voiced doubts in a Variety interview regarding the industry’s apparent interest in the genre:
So I don’t know that it’s flattering, because I don’t think they’re doing it because ‘Yellowstone’ is good — They’re doing it because 15 million people watch it.
Since its 2018 premiere, Yellowstone has redefined the neo-Western landscape with its compelling storytelling, leaving an indelible print that will culminate with its highly anticipated final season in November 2024.
Meanwhile, even though Sheridan never saw his name on a Rambo project, his desire to collaborate with Stallone never wavered. And as they say, the rest is history. The fusion of Sheridan’s storytelling genius & Stallone’s indomitable spirit steered Tulsa King straight into the hearts of fans, old and new.
The second half of Yellowstone’s fifth season will be available on November 10, 2024.
Rambo is streaming on Max, while Yellowstone & Tulsa King are available on Peacock+.
