Sylvester Stallone exemplifies the term ‘superstar’. The actor has been the face of two of the most well-known franchises, Rocky and Rambo, for more than three decades. He gained prominence in 1976, thanks to the spectacular success of Rocky. His portrayal of Rocky Balboa in the sports action drama that he wrote and directed by John G. Avildsen garnered him praise from critics as well.
Even before Ryan Coogler’s Creed was announced, Stallone needed a lot of convincing. The actor was worried about the follow-up after seeing where the movie’s protagonist was going in Coogler’s version of the story.
The 2015 sports drama, Creed represented a significant comeback for Stallone as well as the Rocky film series. Rocky Balboa, the last Rocky movie before Creed, received favorable reviews for both its narrative and the Escape Plan actor’s performance.
However, nine years after Rocky Balboa, Stallone has received even more praise for his Creed performance and received a few notable award nominations. He received nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. But convincing him to participate in this 2015 film was not an easy task.
Sylvester Stallone Didn’t Like Ryan Coogler’s Version Of Rocky Balboa In Creed
One of the most significant films in Sylvester Stallone‘s career, along with the Rocky series, is Creed. Rocky Balboa came out nine years before Creed. The Ryan Coogler project, however, was not appealing to the First Blood actor because the plot had changed.
According to the plot, Rocky was given a fatal disease, and Stallone was hesitant to play the renowned boxing champion. It took Coogler around two years to persuade the acclaimed actor, as Stallone himself acknowledged in an interview with Deadline:
“It took him about two years to convince me. I had been very, very grateful the way last chapter of Rocky Balboa wrapped up his story in a satisfactory way for the audience. When Rocky waves goodbye, that was a goodbye to the audience and a thank you. I just thought, ‘Finally,’ and thought it was a wonderful send-off. Rocky stayed dormant for six or seven years, and then this fellow comes in, and says, ‘Oh, can we dig him up?’ I go, ‘No, no, no, no.’ ”
After that, more of Coogler’s revised version of the story was given to the actor. To which Stallone’s initial response was:
“It was disconcerting. It shows Rocky outside the ring, fighting the fight that he really can’t win. It’s a fight against the greatest opponent in the world; life. I said, ‘No, kid, I think we’re tampering with something here we should leave alone.’”
How Ryan Coogler Convinced Sylvester Stallone?
For a variety of reasons, Sylvester Stallone initially rejected Ryan Coogler‘s Creed concept. In addition to making Rocky ill, the actor thought his Rocky Balboa was not provided a satisfying and fitting conclusion to his character’s arc.
But the Black Panther director remained adamant about the Creed concept. And even Stallone started to question his position on Creed after watching Coogler’s debut film as a filmmaker.
In a conversation with Deadline, Stallone said:
“So he goes away and does Fruitvale Station. Wins all these awards, and he’s offered multiple job opportunities and he keeps coming back to Creed. I see this and say, this fellow here obviously is functioning on a different kind of energy. It is heartfelt, not monetary, not ego.”
Later, Stallone began to connect with Coogler on a personal level. The Expendables star recognized some of the characteristics and zeal that the Creed director displayed.
“It’s as though he has to finish a mission, which was a love letter to his father who had been very, very ill and that stimulated the idea. There was just something about this kid, who was very, very physical in his manner, but sensitive and emotional. It kind of reminded me…of me, truth be told.”
The 2023 release of Creed III starring Michael B. Jordan was originally going to feature Sylvester Stallone. In 2019, the actor said in an interview with Radar Online.
“Then hopefully I’m gonna turn in my bucket and towel.”
However, due to creative differences, Stallone was unable to participate in one of 2023’s biggest hits.