If you’re a Sylvester Stallone fan (and we’re pretty huge ones here at JoBlo), you’ll know that he’s been working on a radical re-edit of Rocky IV, titled Rocky Vs Drago, which is premiering in theatres (courtesy of Fathom events) on November 11th, before dropping the next day digitally. In re-cutting the film, Sly has been posting some introspective excerpts from an upcoming documentary about the process (directed by frequent collaborator John Herzfeld). In one such clip, Sly reveals one surprising regret about Rocky IV. It turns out Stallone regrets killing off Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed. Instead, Stallone know wishes that instead of killing Apollo, he had been crippled instead. With Apollo now in a wheelchair, he would have assumed the role of Mickey.
While that’s an interesting thought, one can’t help but wonder what would have become of the rest of the franchise had that happened. “Creed probably would have never been made,” Stallone admits, and as well as saying Rocky V and Rocky Balboa would have never happened the way they did.
Stallone has also cleared up a misconception about his re-edit, with many reports out there stating that his new cut runs 40 minutes longer. As he wrote on Instagram, “I believe someone was a bit premature in stating that there is “40 minutes” of new footage. I wish. There is a LOT of new footage, but 40 minutes is basically over half of a new movie! Enjoy the new scenes and the fight is amazing and keep punching.”
As a hardcore fan of Stallone and of the saga, I can’t wait to see Stallone’s new cut for myself, preferably on the big screen (no screenings announced for Canada yet). You can get your tickets for the Fathom events screening here.
Will you be checking out Rocky Vs Drago?
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