Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky films have been some of the most inspirational films ever. The story of an underdog having a huge dream and working hard to achieve it connected with people and the franchise has become a beloved one over the years. Rocky Balboa has also become an integral part of Stallone’s career and is probably his most recognizable role.
The fight between Stallone and Carl Weathers was the highlight of the film and makeup artist Michael Westmore was the make-up artist and his great work made the film intense and believable. It seems he was approached for an IP that he thought would not work. However, he went on to spend almost 18 years and helped create one of the greatest franchises of all time.
Michael Westmore Thought Star Trek Wouldn’t Last Long
Michael Westmore made a name for himself working as a make-up artist in various Star Trek productions over the years including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. On the film side, he worked on some acclaimed films like Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky, Raging Bull, and Mask, earning an Oscar for the latter.
Westmore was approached by Paramount to join the crew for Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987 to help design the aliens and provide make-up and prosthetic work for the same. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Westmore revealed that at the time, he thought the franchise wouldn’t last long.
He also stated that he could bring his own creative input in designing the look of the aliens as the script did not have any information about it. He ended up spending 18 years on the franchise, working in different Star Trek shows, and even became great friends with the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He said,
In 1987, I got a call from Paramount asking me about Star Trek, and I accepted it because I thought, ‘This probably isn’t going to last very long, but it’d be fun.’ And I wound up being there for 18 years, creating aliens on one show after the other, without a break. That was the most ideal job for any makeup artist.
The scripts didn’t tell me what the alien was to look like, so I had free rein. I had to have new aliens every seven days, and it wasn’t just one. It might be a whole city’s worth. I’ve become really great friends with all of them, especially the cast of Next Generation.
In addition to new shows, Star Trek shows in the modern era including Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard, the franchise has also ventured into feature films which have grossed over $2.2 billion at the box office (via The Numbers). New Star Trek films are still to come and fans continue to be excited for the future of the franchise.
Sylvester Stallone Will Star in a New Crime Thriller Titled The Epiphany
Sylvester Stallone is slowing down from action films that require extensive physical activities. His days as Rambo and Rocky Balboa are now done and dusted. However, he is still finding ways to be the cool leading man in various shows and movies. His turn as New York’s Mafia capo Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King was very much appreciated.
It seems Stallone is doing another similar crime drama as he is set to star in a film titled The Epiphany which will be directed by Will Eubank. As put by Deadline, the film will follow a soon-to-be-retired cop investigating a series of murders in Philadelphia. The film is set to start shooting this summer.
Stallone recently returned in season 2 of his hit reality show The Family Stallone. The actor will also return for a second season of Tulsa King. He also wrote the upcoming Jason Statham-David Ayer actioner Levon’s Trade.
