Sylvester Stallone is not happy about the way that producer, Irwin Winkler is handling the Rocky franchise.
For the second time this month, Sylvester Stallone has taken to social media to express his anger at producer Irwin Winkler for holding on to the executive rights to the Rocky franchise.
This time, Stallone is taking aim at a leaked article that suggests that Dolph Lundgren is set to star in a spin-off film based on the original Rocky films, and he is pretty upset about not being kept in the loop. Stallone is venting his anger over the spin-off series, in which Dolph Lundgren will reportedly reprise his role as Ivan Drago from Rocky IV.
It seems that Stallone wasn’t made aware of the spin-off, and has always cited it as something that he is strongly opposed to as the writer and star of the original films. He shared his disapproval via social media over the weekend: “Never meant these precious characters of his to be milked to this degree in future projects.”
Sylvester says he sees this as nothing but a greedy money-grab, and even calls out his old co-star by name, asking why he didn’t reach out to talk about this before the word was out.
Dolph responded in kind with an Instagram post saying, “Just to set the record straight regarding a possible Drago spinoff. There’s no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor. There was a press leak last week which was unfortunate. In touch with Mr. Balboa – just so all the fans can relax…There ya go.”
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Sylvester has been sharing art renderings on socials, to poke the bear that is the Irwin Winkler rights. Stallone has chosen to bring the matter to the public’s attention by depicting the producer as an evil villain. Sylvester writes, “After IRWIN WINKLER And FAMILY SUCK ROCKY DRY! Presumed to be the most hated, untalented, decrepited, Producer in Hollywood and his cowardly children have found their next meal… Drago, RETURN MY RIGHTS BLOODSUCKERS!”
I’d like to congratulate Irwin Winkler and family beating another wonderful character into the ground! # no shame https://t.co/dy2TEkqCni
— Sylvester Stallone (@TheSlyStallone) July 30, 2022
No official word as yet from the producer himself as to whether or not he will sign a new contract with Stallone over the rights of the Rocky franchise. We will be sure to keep you posted.
