Sylvester Stallone’s lasting impact on the Rocky and Creed franchises has molded a timeless cinematic heritage. Serving as the architect, writer, and lead in the original Rocky series, he wove a narrative of the underdog that struck a chord with global audiences.
In later years, his revitalization of the saga with Creed injected fresh vitality into the storyline, handing over the legacy to a new era while upholding his iconic essence. Stallone’s embodiment of Rocky Balboa symbolizes fortitude and victory, kindling inspiration across generations through his unwavering commitment to these characters. His engagement has effortlessly intertwined the franchises within the tapestry of cinematic history, etching an indelible imprint.
Sylvester Stallone Had Written Another Rocky Film
The significance of the Sylvester Stallone Building resonates deeply with the action icon, as he approaches his 40th birthday this summer. The two-story edifice gazes upon the former premises of Chartoff-Winkler Productions, where merely a decade ago, they birthed a modest movie of his titled Rocky.
In the era of Rocky III and Rocky IV, Stallone solidified his status as the world’s highest-paid actor, securing a staggering $12 million for his upcoming project. This feat was accomplished through the creation of another iconic cinematic figure, John Rambo, a one-man powerhouse.
In 1986, Stallone unequivocally stated that, without any reservations, the Rocky series had come to an end. ”What am I supposed to do next,” he asked, ”fight a woman?”
“Actually, there is another `Rocky` script that I wrote that never got made. `Rocky II` was supposed to be `Rocky III,” he said. “I wrote a script that was supposed to be `Rocky II` where they hadn’t gotten married yet, and Adrian leaves Rocky because he hadn’t grown up any, and she got fed up.”
Well, as fate would have it, the film was never produced, and Stallone went ahead with other scripts for the film.
Why Did Sylvester Stallone Leave Creed Franchise
During an interview, Michael B. Jordan was questioned about the absence of Sylvester Stallone in Creed III and why that decision was made. Michael B. Jordan explained that there are intricate factors at play beyond his control.
However, the focus has shifted to Adonis’s narrative, delving into his family dynamics and his journey into boxing. With Sylvester Stallone acting as a producer, the essence of Rocky remains intertwined with the Creed series. Despite this, the decision to continue without Stallone was deemed the most suitable path forward.
“There are obviously politics that go beyond me. But really moved into Adonis’s world and leaned into his family and how he got into the ring. What happened in those earlier years? And Sly is a producer on this, and his essence of Rocky and Sly will always be throughout the Creed franchise. We just felt like it was the best way to move forward.”
Regarding Creed IV, Michael B. Jordan expressed that there’s always an opening for Stallone to make a return. The character’s versatility is a remarkable aspect, as it seamlessly fits into any storyline rooted in the Rocky universe. This inherent connection allows Rocky’s presence to be meaningful in any iteration.
Also Read: Old Photo of Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone Makes a Revelation That Would Surprise Many Fans
Source: Chicago Tribune
