Who did Hollywood want to play Rocky?

After repeated negotiations with Rumar and Kubik, Winkler-Chartoff agreed to a contract for Stallone to be the writer and also star in the lead role for Rocky. United Artists liked Stallone's script and viewed it as a vehicle for a well-established star like Robert Redford, Ryan O'Neal, Burt Reynolds, or James Caan.
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Who was originally supposed to play Rocky?

And the words Stallone is mouthing on screen are the words he wrote in 3 1/2 days and sold to producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff on the condition that he would play ''Rocky,'' and not Burt Reynolds, or James Caan, or Ryan O'Neal, who were being mentioned for the part.
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Who was the first choice to play Rocky?

A lot of people liked his screenplay, but the producers behind Rocky were very hesitant to agree to Stallone's terms, they wanted a more established actor behind Rocky: actors who are already famous like James Caan, Robert Redford, Ryan O'Neal or Burt Reynolds.
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Who else auditioned for Rocky?

Instead, they had much bigger names in mind, such as Peyton Place's Ryan O'Neill, Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford, and James Caan. The latter three were all Hollywood A-listers and household names that audiences were accustomed to seeing on the big screen.
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Why didn't they want Sylvester Stallone to play Rocky?

They read the script and loved it, except for one thing: They didn't want to have Sylvester Stallone play the main character, Rocky. You can't blame them. Stallone was an unknown actor at the time, and other Hollywood types would be a much safer bet at the box office.
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Sylvester Stallone: The Rocky Journey To Hollywood Legend | Full Biography (First Blood, Rocky)

Who did they want for Rocky?

United Artists liked Stallone's script and viewed it as a vehicle for a well-established star like Robert Redford, Ryan O'Neal, Burt Reynolds, or James Caan. Stallone's agents insisted that Stallone portray the title character, to the point of issuing an ultimatum.
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Who turned down the role of Adrian in Rocky?

Originally, Stallone offered Carrie Snodgress the role of Adrian, but she turned it down due to the low salary she was offered. Susan Sarandon was considered, but she was turned down because she was deemed too pretty to play the mousy character of Adrian. Talia Shire then auditioned for the role, and was selected.
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What did Carl Weathers think of Rocky?

Citing the film — which tells the story of the late Apollo Creed's son climbing the ranks of professional boxing with the help of trainer Rocky Balboa — Weathers says he was impressed with star Michael B. Jordan and Stallone, of the latter saying: “I think its the best work Sly has done to my memory.”
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Who was the first choice for Apollo Creed in Rocky?

Ken Norton was one of the best heavyweights of the 1970s – fought Ali three times, broke his jaw once and beat him (so boxing fans will argue he could've been given the decision in all three fights). So why are we bringing up Ken Norton? Because he was originally cast in the role of “Apollo Creed”.
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How much did Rocky weigh in Rocky 1?

According to Stallone, these were his weights for each of the first four Rocky movies: Rocky I: 178 pounds. Rocky II: 200 pounds. Rocky III: 166 pounds.
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Who is the real life Rocky Balboa?

Sticking just with boxing, Balboa's style was based chiefly on two real life boxers — namely the great Rocky Marciano & a lesser known boxer named Chuck Wepner (top right vs Ali).
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How old was Rocky in Rocky 1?

Read on. (Note: ESPN Classic will be showing "Rocky" at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.) In Reel Life: Rocky Balboa is a 30-year-old club fighter. In Real Life: Sylvester Stallone was inspired by Chuck Wepner, a 35-year-old club fighter who also happened to be the No.
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How did Sylvester Stallone lose the rights to Rocky?

The actor has long been galled by the fact that, as a young unknown in Hollywood, he signed a deal in which he gave up ownership of the “Rocky” franchise, which he created. (Stallone wrote the film.) Since at least 1976, Rocky's rights have been in the hands of producer Irwin Winkler.
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How much did Stallone get paid for Rocky?

Sylvester Stallone was paid an initial salary of $35,000 for his work acting and writing the first Rocky movie. However, considering his contract guaranteed him 10 points on the back end, he ended up earning around $2.5 million due to the film's massive success.
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Did the actors in Rocky actually hit each other?

Sylvester Stallone decided that for the shooting of the fight, he and Dolph Lundgren should hit one another for real, so as to increase the intensity of the scene.
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What did Arnold Schwarzenegger say about Carl Weathers?

On Instagram, Schwarzenegger posted a series of throwback pictures accompanied by a heartfelt caption that read, "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person.
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What did Sylvester Stallone say about Carl Weathers' death?

“We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching,” Stallone captioned an Instagram video posted on Feb. 2, before sharing a longer and emotional message in his clip.
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What did Sylvester Stallone say about Rocky?

“I wanted to write a movie about a guy who says 'I'm not great at all, never will be. I fight great fighters. But I just want the opportunity to go the distance,'” Stallone said of his original Rocky character.
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Why was Rocky's wife killed off?

Adrian's death improved the original story of Rocky Balboa by providing a richer and more heart-wrenching narrative centered around grief and purpose. Adrian's absence allowed for the exploration of Rocky's relationship with his son, creating one of the best aspects of the movie and a fitting end for the character.
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Why was Paulie killed off in Creed?

The character's fondness for alcohol, combined with his advancing age, would likely have contributed largely to his death. Paulie's death hasn't been outwardly addressed by Stallone or Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed Creed, but it seems that Paulie didn't fit with the spin-off's revised tone.
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Why does Rocky's son hate him?

Rocky Cared More About Other Boxers Than His Own Son

That included being with his own son, especially when he was a child and still needed Rocky. Despite that film's conclusion, it's highly likely that Robert resented his father for so quickly abandoning him.
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Why wasn't Sage Stallone in Rocky Balboa?

In 2006, he did not reprise his Rocky role in Rocky Balboa because he was working on his own film, Vic, his directorial debut. He also wrote and produced the film, which won the "Best New Filmmaker" award at the 2006 Boston Film Festival.
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Who was supposed to star in Rocky?

What actors almost starred as the iconic roles in 1976's Rocky? None. The producers offered Stallone $360,000 to buy the script. Ryan O' Neal and James Caan were considered, but Stallone wouldn't sell the script to anyone who wouldn't let him play the hero.
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Why did Rocky end up poor?

Rocky lost most of his money by putting Paulie in charge of his finances when he was in Russia in Rocky IV, which ended up being a huge mistake.
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