Sylvester Stallone marks 44 years of 'Rocky III': Unforgettable moments came from this film
Mumbai, May 29
As the sports drama "Rocky III" turned 44 on Friday, Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone celebrated the moment and said that many unforgettable moments came from it, both in and out of the ring.
Stallone shared a string of monochrome images from the movie, which was released in 1982 and was directed by the Hollywood icon himself.
Stallone, who played the iconic character of Rocky Balboa, wrote in the caption: "Celebrating 44 years of Rocky III today. So many unforgettable moments came from this film, both in and out of the ring."
"Grateful for the cast, the crew, and the fans who still keep these movies alive all these years later. Keep punching," he added.
Rocky III is the sequel to Rocky II, which was released in 1979 and the third installment in the Rocky franchise. It also stars Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith.
In the film, Rocky Balboa faces stiff competition from Clubber Lang, a powerful new contender, and turns to his old adversary Apollo Creed to help him train.
The original film Rocky came out in 1976 and was directed by John G. Avildsen. It was followed by the sequels Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa.
The film franchise followed with 2015's Creed, Creed II and Crees III also starring Michael B. Jordan as boxer, who essayed the role of Adonis Creed, with Rocky as his trainer in the first two films. The Creed films were directed by Ryan Coogler, Steven Caple Jr., and Jordan respectively.
On the work front, the actor is working on the much-anticipated project 'Frisco King'.
For the unversed, Tulsa King debuted in 2022. The series stars Stallone as Dwight "The General" Manfredi, an American Mafia caporegime who has recently been released from prison in New York and is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he begins to build a criminal organization. It is Stallone's first leading role in a scripted television series. A fourth season and a spin-off series, Frisco King, starring Samuel L. Jackson, have both been ordered.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting that Stallone directed this one himself. I always found the first Creed movie more relatable - it modernised the underdog theme nicely. But I guess for 1982, Rocky III captured the whole 'eye of the tiger' vibe perfectly.
I love how Rocky's character evolved - from a simple Philly fighter to a global icon. The soundtrack 'Eye of the Tiger' became an anthem even in India! We used to play it during school sports days. 😄 Also, glad to hear about Frisco King - Tulsa King was surprisingly good for a gangster series.
44 years! Wow. I remember watching Rocky III on Doordarshan as a kid. The fight with Clubber Lang was brutal. But honestly, the best part was the friendship between Rocky and Apollo - they went from enemies to brothers. That's something we can learn from, even in today's world.
I've always thought Rocky III is a bit overrated compared to the first one. The training montages are iconic, sure, but the plot feels rushed. Still, Stallone deserves credit for keeping this franchise relevant for decades. And Tulsa King? That show is pure gold - Stallone as a mobster works surprisingly well!
Rocky III gave us the best villain in the franchise - Mr. T's Clubber Lang! "I don't hate Rocky... but I pity the fool!" 😂 Jokes aside, that line is legendary. And the final fight at Madison Square Garden... goosebumps every time. Great to see Stallone still busy with Tulsa King and
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