Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise remains one of the most successful films that ever graced worldwide theaters. Before the birth of the famed boxer Rocky Balboa, Stallone was an unknown actor who only had $106 in his pocket. He was too broke to pay rent and was forced to sell his beloved dog.
His life and career did a turnaround on the 24th of March 1975. On this fateful day, Stallone went to the Richfield Coliseum and witnessed the true meaning of glory and fame. The biggest competition between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner was to take place, with the latter being practically a nobody going up against a legend. Despite the pressure, Wepner gave Ali the punch of the devil, knocking him up and proving his greatness to the world.
Sylvester Stallone Reveals Brutal Writing Process To Finish Rocky Script
Sylvester Stallone was so astonished by the boxing competition he witnessed that it gave him an imaginary lightbulb of inspiration. This grand spectacle was the backstory of the Rocky films. It was meant to exhibit the underdog Rocky Balboa going toe-to-toe with the renowned beast Apollo Creed.
Stallone went home, still reeling from the adrenaline-infused fight but nonetheless motivated to finally sit down and pen the story on paper. In just three days, he efficiently wrote a 90-page draft of what would become one of the greatest films of all time.
People could not believe how fast he finished the script given its meaty and motivational content. The actor shared his writing process in an interview with his daughters, Sophia and Sistine, on their Unwaxed podcast. Stallone revealed what he did to his windows:
“Yeah I did paint them black because I don’t want to know what time it is, it didn’t matter what time it was.”
He thought that it would only distract him if he recognized it was time for breakfast or dinner, and just decided he would go get some food whenever hunger strikes. He further elaborated:
“I was trying to eliminate all the excuses because it’s hard to write. You’re looking for any reason, please, someone call. That’s why I took the phone out. But writing, I’ll tell you right now, is a miserable means of existence. It is terrible.”
Despite dedicating several days to writing, Stallone admitted he did not like the process and the journey. He noted that he finally understands why many writers complain of being too tired or worn out.
Rocky Balboa Star Shares Inspiring Advice For Writers
Sylvester Stallone wrote his Oscar-winning piece under stress, and in this situation, it is difficult to think about perfection especially if one is trying to make ends meet. The actor shared a few nuggets of wisdom on the podcast, especially for aspiring writers who are struggling to find their muse:
“You don’t have to be a good writer. You just have to make sure to write and eventually, your inner thoughts will come to the surface and take care of themselves. The fact that you got through, that’s amazing. That you actually got the beginning, middle, and end. No matter how flawed, that’s the hard part.”
Stallone is now one of the most awarded actors in Hollywood. He has written over 45 screenplays, won 33 awards, and amassed a net worth of $450 million. Talk about redefining success!