rumors of Burt Reynolds James Caan and Robert Redford are a few but Sly said only he could do the role justice so he took low pay and bet on himself and Won! Sylvester Stallone always wanted to play Rocky himself, but found that studios wanted somebody else. James Caan was one of the names suggested.

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.

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.

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”.

Who was Rocky's first opponent?

Rico (Pedro Lovell) is the very first opponent we see Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) face. In the opening scene of Rocky, Rico and Rocky are engaged in a small-time club match, with the latter fighting rather lackadaisically until Rico decides to headbutt him.

Sylvester Stallone Was A "Terrible Choice" For "Rocky"

Who was Rocky's hardest fight?

Ivan Drago: Drago was a Soviet boxer who was trained to be a killing machine. He was incredibly strong and had a powerful punch. Rocky faced Drago in a 15-round fight in Rocky IV, and it was one of the most brutal fights in boxing history.

Who is Rocky's weakest opponent?

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.”

Who almost played Apollo Creed?

A real boxer almost played Apollo Creed

Originally, they wanted Ken Norton, a real heavyweight boxer, to play Apollo Creed. Norton was no slouch as a boxer, having been a world champion and having beaten Ali in a match.

Why was Apollo Creed killed off?

After three films in which he functions as little more than a means to illustrate Rocky's greatness, Apollo is offered the highest of honors: He dies to provide the franchise's white protagonist with motivation and character development.

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.

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.

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.

Who almost played Rocky Balboa?

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.

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.

Who was Mick based on Rocky?

Mickey may be based on Charley Goldman. Both were bantamweights, Jewish, and had similar-sounding names. In addition, Goldman was the boxing trainer of Rocky Marciano, on whom Rocky Balboa is largely based.

How was Carl Weathers chosen for Rocky?

While auditioning for the role of Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky, Weathers criticized Stallone's acting, which led to him getting the role.

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.

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.

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.

Who is Rocky's nemesis?

Ivan Drago

He first appeared in the 1985 film Rocky IV, in which he is Rocky Balboa's rival and the main antagonist. In Creed II, it is revealed that after Ivan's loss to Rocky, Ivan was disgraced by the USSR, where he was shamed and kicked out of the country, tainting the Drago name forever.

Would Rambo beat Rocky?

More From Men's Health. "If the fighters wore to remain upright Rocky would prevail," he said. "His body punches and right hooks would eventually beat Rambo… If the fight goes to the ground, Rambo will prevail.

Did anyone ever beat Rocky?

By the end of 1975, Rocky had fought in 64 fights, winning 44 (38 KOs) and losing 20. Rocky was proud that he never had his nose broken in any of his amateur fighting career. His nickname is the Italian Stallion, from his Italian-American heritage.