MGM is further exploring the world of Rocky Balboa with a spin off of Creed focusing on the boxer’s ex-opponent Drago. The franchise has its roots from the underdog American boxer Rocky Balboa portrayed by Sylvester Stallone.
The very first movie hit the theaters in November 1976. At the time, Stallone was new to the industry and had to take on a different fight to ensure he is cast as the main lead. He wrote Rocky within three and a half days after watching an actual fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner.
With director John G. Avildsen, producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, Stallone got the greenlight for the move with very minimal budget $1,075,000, with a further $100,000 spent on producers’ fees and $4.2 million on advertising costs. It turned out to be the best box office performing movie of its time with 11,000% returns, specifically a whopping worldwide box office total of $225 million. Furthermore, the movie earned Stallone his Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and Best Screenplay.
MGM Developing New Rocky Spin Off Titled Drago
Image: MGM
Naturally, the movie started the franchise with Stallone as the face. Impressively, a total of 9 movies are in its franchise list with the latest being Creed III on schedule to premiere in 2023. So far, the franchise has a total box office record of $1.5B worldwide. When comparing the individual box office returns of the movies, the top-most title is Rocky IV where Balboa faced the Soviet boxer Ivan Drogo portrayed by Dolph Lundgren. Particularly, the movie punched in $300M in the worldwide box office.
Even though critics gave the movie mixed reviews, movie goers still remember the story from the other movies of the franchise. Now, MGM is focusing its lens on Drago for his own spin off. Robert Lawton is on board to write the screenplay. Notably, this will be the first movie under the franchise that Sylvester Stallone will not appear in. Despite the non-appearance he stays on the project as a producer.
MGM Developing New Rocky Spin Off Titled Drago
Image: MGM
Rocky has told the story of everyone who has ever been an underdog. On and off screen even. In the beginning, Stallone only had his script and unwavering resolve to be the lead for the movie he wrote. After everything, he rose above all triumphant and the box office records prove it. The character was one who had everything in the world against him as well. He fought on the ring and he fought for his ideals.
The same message can be felt in the rest of the franchise’s projects. The one that is still in development that focuses on one of Balboa’s formidable opponents, may bring forth a new perspective. Another seasoned or veteran boxer’s struggles and ideals will be given the chance to be depicted.
