American actor, screenwriter, and director Sylvester Stallone became an icon in the action genre after he created and starred in his widely popular Rocky film series. While the franchise made him a legend among his contemporaries instantly, he also faced a daunting setback during the making of Rocky II. This incident, in his own words, nearly derailed his career and had the potential to even end it. The action star recently talked about the incident on a TMZ special, Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons. He explained that it was a major injury that occurred during a routine training session with bodybuilder Franco Columbu, just six weeks before filming was set to begin.
While lifting a 200-pound weight, Stallone heard a distinct “POW!” and immediately collapsed in agony. Columbu, upon inspection, confirmed Stallone’s worst fear – he had torn his pectoral muscle clean off the bone.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Stallone was set to not only star in but also direct Rocky II, the highly anticipated sequel to the surprise hit Rocky. Rather than allow the setback to derail the film, Stallone chose to adapt, rewriting the story to have Rocky Balboa, his iconic character, fight right-handed.
“I go home. I feel like my career is over. I’m supposed to start Rocky II, direct it, everything in a month and a half. Here’s the difference – and Schwarzenegger would have done the same thing. … I can’t use this arm, so I’ll change it in Rocky. He’ll fight right-handed” Stallone continued.
This is why Stallone’s titular character, Rocky, suddenly develops eyesight issues in the sequel and is forced to box with his right hand to fight Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).
Stallone on, the show, also acknowledged the logical inconsistencies in the plot of the film.”Completely illogical. But I said, I’m not stopping this movie and this was a bad injury. That was one of the key things. But it’s interesting the way these incredible journeys happen. But we don’t stop, we don’t quit,” he added.
Despite the setback, Stallone’s perseverance paid off. Rocky II premiered in June 1979 and was a resounding success, making Stallone a Hollywood heavyweight.
The original film, Rocky, released in 1976, won the Oscar for Best Picture and has gained the status of a classic cult film over the years.
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