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 is Rocky's weakest opponent?

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.

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.

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.

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 Rocky Balboa supposed to be?

While the story of his first film was partly inspired by a 1975 fight between underdog Chuck Wepner and heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali (which nearly went the 15 round distance despite the odds), the inspiration for the name, iconography and fighting style came from boxing legend Rocco Francis "Rocky Marciano" ...

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.

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.

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.

Why was Talia Shire not in Balboa?

In an exclusive interview, Shire explained to "Access Hollywood" that her character, Adrian, is not in the latest Rocky film because she and Sylvester Stallone decided that it would be best if Rocky had a longing and loss as a widower. The interview will air on Dec. 14.

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 Rocky suffer from?

When a boxer gets Cavum septum pellucidum, they get a hole in the membrane of the brain, separating the ventricles from it. The neurons in the area of the incident are also traumatised. Rocky Balboa, the famous boxer, developed the condition after fighting Ivan Drago in Moscow.

Who was Rocky's easiest opponent?

Thunderlips from 'Rocky III'

Far and away, Rocky's easiest opponent - simply by virtue of the fact that he's not a boxer, has no skill in the ring and really just took to throwing the Italian Stallion all over the place. Sure, he's got the height and weight on the champ, but Rocky should have put him down easily.

Who was the best boxer in Rocky?

Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers) appears and is mentioned in every movie, with the boxer being the main villain of Rocky and Rocky II. At the time of the first film, Apollo is the world heavyweight champion that gives Rocky his shot at fame.

Which is the best Rocky movie?