Rocky Balboa, the beloved underdog boxer from the iconic movie franchise, has always been known for his determination and resilience. And it seems that even in real life, the character played by Sylvester Stallone is just as strong and capable. In a recent interview, the director of the upcoming film “Creed II” revealed that Rocky held his own during scenes with the legendary actor, Dolph Lundgren.
Director Steven Caple Jr. praised Stallone’s performance in the highly anticipated sequel, stating that he was impressed by how well he held his own against Lundgren, who is known for his role as Ivan Drago in the original “Rocky IV” film. Caple Jr. said, “Sylvester is a true professional and it was amazing to see him bring Rocky back to life once again. But what was even more impressive was how he held his own during scenes with Dolph. It was like watching two legends go head to head.”
For fans of the “Rocky” franchise, the return of Lundgren as Drago is a highly anticipated moment. The character is considered one of the most iconic villains in movie history, and his rivalry with Rocky has become a staple of the series. So when it was announced that Lundgren would be reprising his role in “Creed II”, fans were ecstatic.
However, it was not just the fans who were excited about Lundgren’s return. Stallone himself was thrilled to have his former co-star back on set. In an Instagram post, he shared a photo of himself and Lundgren with the caption, “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the gym and box…here comes the Siberian Express!” It is clear that the two actors have a great camaraderie and their chemistry on screen is undeniable.
But what makes Stallone’s performance in “Creed II” even more impressive is the fact that he not only had to hold his own against Lundgren, but also against the new lead actor, Michael B. Jordan. In the film, Jordan plays Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, who was Rocky’s former rival turned friend. Stallone’s character takes on the role of a mentor to Adonis, and their relationship is a major focus of the film.
Caple Jr. shared that Stallone and Jordan had a great dynamic on set and their scenes together were some of the most powerful in the film. He said, “The chemistry between Sylvester and Michael was amazing. They both brought so much emotion and depth to their characters, and it was a pleasure to watch them work together.”
Stallone’s dedication to his role as Rocky is evident in the physical transformation he underwent for the film. At 72 years old, he trained hard to get back into fighting shape, and it paid off. In the film, he looks just as fit and agile as he did in the original “Rocky” films. Caple Jr. praised Stallone’s commitment, saying, “He really pushed himself to the limit for this role and it shows. He is truly a force to be reckoned with.”
The director also revealed that Stallone’s experience and expertise were invaluable on set. He said, “Sylvester has been playing this character for over 40 years, so he knows Rocky better than anyone. He was always willing to share his knowledge and give advice to the younger actors. It was a privilege to work with him.”
As the release date for “Creed II” approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Rocky Balboa to the big screen. And with the director’s praise for Stallone’s performance, it seems that the character is in good hands. Caple Jr. summed it up perfectly, saying, “Rocky is an iconic character and Sylvester Stallone is the heart and soul of that character. He truly held his own during scenes with the legendary Dolph Lundgren, and I have no doubt that fans will be blown away by his performance in this film.”
“Creed II” is set to hit theaters on November 21st, and it is safe to say that fans will not be disappointed. With the return of Dolph Lundgren and the impressive performance of Sylvester Stallone, this film is sure to be a knockout. So get ready to step back into the ring with Rocky Balboa, because he’s back and better than ever.
