Sylvester Stallone got a little wonky.
Responding to news about a ‘Rocky’ spin-off movie called ‘Drago’ written by Robert Lawton, Stallone posted a new rant excoriating executive producer Irwin Winkler and his family. “Drago” is said to be the origin story of Dolph Lundgren’s character who fought Rocky Balboa.
Stallone wrote on Instagram tonight: “Another heart breaker… I only just found out… ONCE AGAIN THE PATHETIC 94 YEAR OLD PRODUCER and HIS SELFLESS AND USELESS CHILDREN are once again choosing what’s left OF THE BONES of another wonderful character!!! Seriously, how do you look at the weasels in the mirror???.I’m sorry to the FANS, I apologize to the FANS, I never meant for ROCKY to be taken advantage of FOR THIS SHARP.. #no shame #sad day # Parasitic.
But I was told that Stallone’s producing partner, Braden Aftergood, participated in a Zoom pitch meeting in April with Lawton and endorsed the project, giving Stallone the thumbs up. According to my sources, MGM would not proceed with a “Rocky” spin-off movie unless Stallone gave permission.
Now everyone involved is wondering why Stallone keeps attacking Winkler. Last week, Stallone claimed that Winkler was preventing Stallone from doing more of his own “Rocky” movies. But I’m told exclusively that Stallone pitched a new movie about Philadelphia mayoral candidate Rocky, and MGM signed a $2 million royalty for the script. The deal, they say, never happened because Stallone backed down and didn’t take the money.
Stallone does not appear in ‘Creed III,’ directed by Michael B. Jordan, which was just moved from Thanksgiving to March 2023. Sources say he was offered the chance to play Rocky in the film – it is the first “Rocky” oriented film. without Stallone since the franchise launched in 1976. They say it was Stallone’s choice not to be included.
Even more interesting: now I am told that “Creed III” is not “locked” as they say in the industry. The producers left space for Stallone to appear in the film. He just has to say the word. “They begged him to do it,” the insider says.
As for “Drago,” let me point out that news of his existence should come as no surprise to Stallone. Lundgren talked about it last year in an interview.
I don’t understand. I’ve had many great experiences with Sylvester Stallone over the years. What he is doing now makes no sense. Maybe his people will put him in touch with me so we can unravel all these mysteries and weird social media posts. After the last story I wrote, by the way, Stallone landed his previous rants against Winkler. But now there is a new one.
What still doesn’t make sense in that? Stallone could handle all of this through the best lawyers and agents in Hollywood. Why did he choose the path of a public fight? This does not reflect well on him, rightly or wrongly.
