During the latest Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), seasoned Hollywood star, Sylvester Stallone, opened up a candid chat about his glittering career and his latest move to take a step back from a couple of his unforgettable characters. Deciding to put some distance between himself and iconic roles like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo symbolizes an exciting turn of the page in Stallone’s acting journey.
- Opted out of “Creed III” after giving Rocky Balboa a memorable farewell in “Creed II”
- Signed off from the Expendables series with the forthcoming fourth film
- Hinted at no further reprises of the iconic role of John Rambo despite its lasting legacy
While Stallone has left an indelible mark on the roles he has portrayed, he acknowledged the possibility of these franchises continuing without him, much like “Creed III” did.
Rambo’s Journey: From Big Screen to Small Screen
Historically, following the mixed reaction to “Rambo III”, Stallone had turned down a $34 million offer to reprise his role for a fourth installment. However, Rambo’s narrative continued with Stallone’s return in 2008’s “Rambo” and later in “Rambo: Last Blood”. Recent murmurs in 2022 hinted at a potential streaming series focusing on Rambo. Contrary to earlier expectations of the series being a prequel, Stallone shed light on the series’ direction, hinting at John Rambo passing the torch to a new protagonist. Although details remain sparse, Stallone’s foray into television, including his leading role in “Tulsa King”, suggests that he might still be involved, albeit in a limited capacity. Read more on JoBlo
A Glimpse into Stallone’s Inspirations
During the TIFF “In Conversation With…” series, Stallone opened up about the inspirations behind his influential roles. Reflecting on the impact of cinema, he commented, “Cinema is the most influential system of communication, the only thing more powerful is war.” Recollecting his earlier days, Stallone spoke about how the 1958 film “Hercules”, starring Steve Reeves, had a profound effect on him. The essence of heroes battling against insurmountable odds for a noble cause deeply resonated with him.
- Stallone likened films to ancient mythology, emphasizing the recurring theme of heroes triumphing over evil.
- Shared anecdotes from his younger days, revealing how working as a theatre usher and “borrowing” books from a bookstore shaped his narrative skills.
- The name Apollo Creed was inspired by an astrology book he had “borrowed”.
Stallone’s Legacy in Hollywood
Over the years, Sylvester Stallone has been more than just an actor. He’s also been a significant writer and producer. His captivating narratives have deeply touched countless individuals, raising the bar for character growth and exploration. The bold choice of stepping back from some of his most iconic roles is a clear sign of his deep devotion to protecting the authenticity of his characters and their underlying stories.
- From his ascension to stardom with “Rocky,” down to the noteworthy chronicles of “Rambo” and “Creed,” Stallone has consistently shown a unique mix of grit and vulnerability in each character he brings to life.
- There’s no denying his individual writing style, often reflected in his scripts which are typically focused…
Stallone’s Perspective on Modern Filmmaking
As one of the leading action stars of our era, Stallone’s experience stretches from hands-on action sequences to CGI-intensive films. While admitting to personal injuries from performing stunts, he expressed a preference for realism in action sequences and over-reliance on CGI. He emphasized the authenticity and thrill of real-life action compared to simulated environments.
- Stallone praised the “real deal” nature of actors like Jason Statham in the “Expendables” series who endured the physical rigors of the scenes.
- Expressed concerns about the future of traditional action films, wondering if they might become obsolete.
- Highlighted the challenges of working in CGI-heavy films, such as “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, stressing that it requires a different form of discipline.
Wrapping things up, Sylvester Stallone gracing the Toronto International Film Festival wasn’t just a nod to his impressive career. It also presented an opportunity for him to dish out anecdotes from his past, share sage advice based on his experiences, and give everyone a sneak peek into his future plans. As he ponders retiring some of his legendary roles and contemplates the dynamic cinematic landscape, Stallone’s imprint on the movie industry can’t be denied. His nuggets of wisdom pave the way for the next generation of actors, directors, and producers seeking to make their mark.
