Dolph Lundgren Reflects on Breaking Sylvester Stallone’s Ribs During ‘Rocky IV’ Filming
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/rocky-iv-75de03a77a8944ba9b66f6d409e70bd8.jpg)
Action star Dolph Lundgren recently opened up about a memorable incident on the set of the classic movie ‘Rocky IV,’ where he unintentionally caused an injury to his co-star Sylvester Stallone. Lundgren played the formidable adversary Ivan Drago to Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the iconic film. In a candid interview with Fox News, Lundgren shared his recollection of the incident, revealing that he initially did not realise the extent of the harm he had caused Stallone during a particular boxing scene.
The revelation came after a prolonged filming schedule in Vancouver, where the intense fight sequences between the characters of Drago and Rocky were being shot. Lundgren, now 68, recounted how he only became aware of Stallone’s injury when he received a call from the producer informing him that Stallone, who was in his late 70s at the time, had been hospitalised. Reflecting on the experience, Lundgren expressed his regrets, stating, “I did feel a little guilty. He was the boss, and I did what he told me, which was good.”
Stallone, in a documentary from 2021 titled ‘The Making of Rocky vs. Drago,’ shared his side of the story, detailing his four-day stay in the intensive care unit following the incident. The actor described how his heart began to swell later that evening, necessitating urgent medical attention. Despite the severity of the injury, Stallone eventually returned to complete filming the challenging fight scene that culminates in Rocky’s victory over Drago.
The 1985 film ‘Rocky IV’ remains a classic in the sports drama genre, depicting the intense rivalry between Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago. The pivotal moment where Lundgren inadvertently injured Stallone during filming actually made it into the final cut of the movie, adding to the authenticity of their on-screen confrontation. Stallone emphasised the impact of the punch, remarking, “How could you take that out?”
In light of the recent revelation, fans of the ‘Rocky’ franchise have gained a new perspective on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the actors. The enduring popularity of ‘Rocky IV’ continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and intense performances by Stallone and Lundgren. As the actors reflect on this memorable chapter in their careers, the film’s legacy as a beloved cinematic classic remains untarnished.
The candid recounting of the incident by Lundgren and Stallone serves as a reminder of the dedication and physical demands involved in creating iconic cinematic moments. Despite the challenges faced during the filming of ‘Rocky IV,’ the enduring camaraderie between the actors and their shared commitment to delivering memorable performances have solidified their places in movie history. As fans revisit the film and its memorable scenes, the behind-the-scenes stories such as this one only add to its enduring appeal.
The enduring bond between Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren, forged through their shared experiences on the set of ‘Rocky IV,’ underscores the lasting impact of their collaboration. As audiences continue to celebrate the film and its iconic characters, the candid revelations from the actors offer a glimpse into the dedication and camaraderie that defined the production. With its place secure in the pantheon of classic sports dramas, ‘Rocky IV’ stands as a testament to the talent and resilience of its cast and crew.
In conclusion, the retelling of the incident where Dolph Lundgren inadvertently injured Sylvester Stallone during the filming of ‘Rocky IV’ offers a poignant insight into the challenges and sacrifices made in creating cinematic masterpieces. As fans and film enthusiasts revisit the timeless classic, the enduring legacy of the film and the bond between its stars continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. The behind-the-scenes anecdotes shared by Lundgren and Stallone further enrich the cinematic experience, highlighting the dedication and passion that went into bringing ‘Rocky IV’ to life on the silver screen.