Sylvester Stallone is an iconic Hollywood superstar known for his impressive physique, powerful performances, and memorable characters. From his breakout role as Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise to his portrayal of John Rambo in the Rambo series, Stallone has captivated audiences with his on-screen presence and action-packed roles.
In addition to his successful career in the film industry, The Expendables star made a notable appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with his role as Stakar Ogord, also known as Starhawk, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The Rambo star shared that his experience of working in the film was great as he has always played a terrestrial hero, but this movie allowed him to mark his presence in space. Stallone teased by saying that this experience even forced him to return his paycheck to the makers.
Sylvester Stallone Loved Working In The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
The Cobra star made his MCU debut in the second installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Speaking of his experience of working in the film, the Tango and Cash star shared that it was pretty interesting to work in the movie and even added that walking on the sets of this superhero film was much better than his previous sets.
“Actually, it was pretty painless. It was interesting because I love [Marvel] films, but I haven’t ventured into the genre, so it was quite an experience. When I walked on the set, [I saw] robots and things, a woman who was seven feet tall, and everything else. I thought, ‘This is great. This is a great vacation. It’s better than being up a tree in Burma,’ you know what I mean?”
The Actor Returned His Paycheck After The Fulfilling Filming Experience
Sylvester Stallone shared his fascination with mythology and the importance of each generation-defining its heroes and mythology. The Rocky star believes that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become the modern-day equivalent of mythology, capturing the imaginations of audiences across generations. When Stallone was approached by Kevin Feige to be a part of this world, he saw it as an opportunity to step outside his usual terrestrial roles and explore a whole new reality.
“Early on in my career I became fascinated with mythology. Joseph Campbell’s ‘Hero with a Thousand Faces,’ and so on and so forth. When I started doing Rambo, [I came to understand] there’s an evolution that takes place. Every generation has to find itself, define its own heroes, and define its own mythology. And [the MCU] is this generation’s– and maybe even the next generation’s– mythology. And when Kevin invited me on board I said, ‘This is interesting because I haven’t gone here. I’m kind of Earth-bound. I’m terrestrial. This is something that takes place in a whole other sphere where James and the Marvel people have created their own world, their own reality.”
Additionally, Stallone humorously mentioned that taking on the role got him out of the house and away from his three daughters, which is why he decided to return his salary.
“So I said, ‘Yeah, let me visit. Let me drop in here and see what’s up, where the future is going.’ And it was great. It got me out of the house [away] from my three daughters. And that’s why I gave them my salary back.”
By joining the MCU, Stallone not only added his star power to the franchise but also embraced the evolving landscape of storytelling and the enduring power of superheroes in the entertainment industry. It goes without saying that the Rambo star nailed his role in the movie and ensured that he made his special spot among Marvel fans.