Sylvester Stallone, one of the most iconic actors in cinema, is famous for his portrayal of the boxer Rocky Balboa, a character that transformed his career and catapulted him to fame. Among the installments of the franchise, Rocky IV holds a prominent place, where Stallone faces the formidable Ivan Drago, a Soviet antagonist played by the impressive Dolph Lundgren. This film has become a classic that resonated both with critics and at the box office.
A man who stands out in everything
Rocky IV, released in 1985, grossed over 300 million dollars worldwide, establishing itself as the highest-grossing installment of the saga. In Spain, the film attracted more than 2 million viewers, generating revenue equivalent to 3.8 million euros. This popularity is attributed not only to the intensity of the conflict between the characters but also to the memorable performances of Stallone and Lundgren.
However, the first meeting between Stallone and Lundgren was not very friendly. In recent statements, Stallone revealed that upon meeting Lundgren, he felt jealous of his physique and intellect, describing him as “almost a robot” due to his imposing height of 1.96 m and his academic background as a chemical engineer graduated from MIT. This mix of admiration and competition seemed to motivate Stallone to deliver a standout performance, elevating the film to new heights.
After the success of Rocky IV, Stallone and Lundgren have collaborated on several occasions, appearing together in five additional films, including The Expendables and Creed 2, where Lundgren reprises his role as Drago, this time guiding his son Victor in the world of boxing. The professional relationship between both actors has evolved, leaving behind any initial grudges.
