![]() ![]() Stallone, who’s directed four of the saga’s entries himself, clearly understands the appeal of his creation: a flawed everyman who just happens to be a dynamite boxer. That mean southpaw hook probably helped a bit, too. The Philadelphia boy has battled everything from personal demons to the Soviet Union, but through it all, his undying American spirit has emerged victorious. It’s been almost four decades since that first fight with Apollo Creed, but Rocky Balboa continues to live in the minds of movie fans today. Released in 1976, Rocky was a global sensation, winning a Best Picture Oscar and establishing Stallone as a household name. Stallone eventually got his wish at United Artists, and under director John G. But Stallone refused, knowing full well that no one could play the part like he could. The script quickly became a hot property in Hollywood, and several attempts were made to purchase it for stars like Burt Reynolds and Ryan O’Neal. But the scrappy no name fighter inspired Stallone, who emerged from a twenty-hour writing binge with a screenplay and an underdog character named Rocky Balboa. Fifteen rounds and an Ali knockdown later, Wepner lost. Thought to be an easy win, Ali surprisingly met his match: a career brawler who was having the fight of his life. On March 24th, 1975, struggling actor Sylvester Stallone spent his last few dollars to see boxing champ Muhammad Ali fight Chuck Wepner.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |