SYLVESTER STALLONE has sworn he will never play Rambo again, despite huge awards buzz for his return to playing Rocky Balboa in the new film Creed.
 |
| Stallone doesn't want to play Rambo again: Well, it would mess up his nice suit... |
Sylvester Stallone IS Rocky AND Rambo.
The two roles have defined his career but it seems he is more fond of one than the other. And yes, the video playing below is the full Rocky theme tune (you're welcome).
The star is relishing the huge critical acclaim and early Oscar buzz for his return to the big screen as Rocky Balboa in new film Creed.
Stallone is already talking about the sequel, but there is no such luck for fans of his other muscle-bound big screen hero.
 |
| Sylvester Stallone and Michael B Jordan in Creed |
Stallone turns 70 this year and reckons that the time is past for him to strap on the combat gear.
“The heart’s willing, but the body says, ‘Stay home,’” he says about returning as Rambo. “It’s like fighters that go back for one last round and get clobbered. Leave it to someone else.”
The actor had previously said that he was working on Rambo V but has not only scuppered fan hopes, he has poured doubt upon the upcoming TV adaptation of the story featuring Rambo's son.
“I don’t want to cast aspersions,” Stallone added, “but it’s delicate to try to replace a character with his son. I’ve seen the son of Flicka, the son of Tarzan, the son of King Kong. It’s a very difficult premise.”
It's a totally different tune when he talks enthusiastically about his role in Creed.
 |
| Sylvester Stallone in Rambo 2 |
For his performance as the ageing boxer-turned-coach, Stallone has already won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture.
It's his first Golden Globe nomination since the original Rocky, 39 years earlier, and bodes well for his Oscar hopes.
Even so, he revealed that he fought hard NOT to take the role when he was pursued by Creed director, Ryan Coogler.
“It took about two years to convince me," he told Variety magazine.
"I had been very, very grateful the way last chapter of Rocky Balboa wrapped up his story in a satisfactory way for the audience.
"When Rocky waves goodbye, that was a goodbye to the audience and a thank you.
"I just thought, ‘Finally,’ and thought it was a wonderful send-off.
"Rocky stayed dormant for six or seven years, and then this fellow comes in, and says, ‘Oh, can we dig him up?’ I go, ‘No, no, no, no.‘”
It all sounds rather like Daniel Craig's endless protests about playing 007, despite the news that he will be back in TWO more James Bond films.
Stallone said that there was something very familiar about Coogler which finally convinced him.
"There was just something about this kid, who was very, very physical in his manner, but sensitive and emotional.
"It kind of reminded me…of me, truth be told.
"So I finally said, ‘You know what? Someone took a chance on me, once. I’m just going to throw caution to the wind and let him run with it.‘”
 |
| Stallone with Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed |
Creed tells the story of Rocky Bablboa when he is approached by the son of his old rival Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), who has died.
Michael B Jordan plays the younger Creed and the film has already been a box office smash in the US.
So much so that Stallone is already happily talking about ideas for the sequel, one of which would involve flashbacks to Apollo Creed in his youth.
The 69-year-old also wryly admits his relief that he won't be back in the ring himself and looks back on his boxing days with some disbelief.
Stallone revealed that he recently bumped into Weathers, who looked as impressive as ever.
“I can’t believe I got in the ring with him,” Stallone says. “Even if it was play fighting.”
Creed is out in UK cinemas on January 15
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus