Sylvester Stallone has progressively built his career not just through his authentic character, but how he carries his pen across a page. His charisma on-screen developed one of the most masculine figures the public has grown to love. Will the Italian Stallion ever cease to impress?
One-of-a-kind “Sly”
First known as Rocky, then recognized as Rambo, Lieutenant Marion (Cobra), Frankie Delano (Avenging Angelo), and Barney Ross (The Expendables), and many other faces, Sylvester Stallone remains one of the greats. He is now a staple icon in the heart of Philly with his statue placed right next to the Philadelphia Museum Of Art where he made his inspiration dent in society. This was not just because he starred in Rocky.
In Sylvester Stallone’s new Netflix documentary Sly (streaming since September 16, 2023), he elaborates how his initial acting skills were overlooked by directors when he first pursued living on-screen. The stagnant background roles he received pushed him to write his own screenplays. Rocky was one of his prominent projects that he built based off the best and worst parts of himself. Similar to most writers, most of the content comes from projection, whether it be his ego or insecurities.
Once Stallone finally let go and let his craft take over, there was no room left for doubts or hesitation. When the premiere day hit for Rocky, Stallone had a once in a lifetime experience. He and Stallone’s producers could hear cheering from outside of the theater near the ending of the film.
“When he knocks Apollo down, the whole theater went up. The producers all look at each other like ‘holy shit… the audience is participating like it’s a real sporting event. We blurred the lines.'”
Sylvester Stallone in “Sly” Documentary on Netflix
From Boxing Ring To Pinky Ring
This Italian is not just a Stallion anymore. Since November 13, 2022, Sylvester Stallone took on the character “Dwight Manfredi” in Tulsa King, a new crime drama streaming on Paramount+. Stallone brings a perfect metallic face to the mafia capo. His hard exterior enhances Dwight’s presence along with appealing to the audience with his comedic flare. It’s one thing playing the role of a mob boss, but protruding all of the character’s fears, regrets and inner traumas can only be done by the best of the best. Not only does he provide his professional acting skills, he is known for the relationships he builds with co-stars.
Sylvester Stallone is appreciated off-screen as much as he is on-screen. Plenty of times in Sly, Stallone is recognized for his talent and the personable nature he brings to every role he plays. It is rare to get a real inside scoop of how individuals are on-set. Ritchie Coster (Caolan Waltrip in Tulsa King) expands on his relationship with Stallone and how his abilities go beyond acting.
Question: “Is Sly still going as strong as ever?”
Answer: “Every now and again over my career I’ve rubbed up against some big actors that don’t deign to give other actors mutual respect. But he [Sylvester Stallone] completely did. We’d do a take and he’d walk over to me and say, — Okay Ritch, what would you like me to change? Does this work for you? Do you want to go in a different direction? — That doesn’t always come and it was immensely gratifying to be treated with that respect.”
Ritchie Coster Tulsa King Interview – Jim Conlan Interviews Ritchie Coster
September 15, 2024
The first season of Tulsa King was a complete success, receiving five separate nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards, Critics Choice Super Awards and Astra Television Awards. Two out of five of those nominations go towards Sylvester Stallone for best actor. It was also rumored that Tulsa King was not going to produce another season, leaving the series on a huge cliffhanger. But those rumors were debunked on January 26, 2024.
A thirty-second surprise was dropped on YouTube to announce the King’s return. There were a mixture of small hints dropped. The whereabouts of old characters, the rise of fan favorite characters and even a short glimpse of new characters.
Most of the new (or expanded) characters in the trailer are posed as the future villains of the series. Neil McDonough, known for this evil roles takes the spotlight in the trailer. Some fans also believe Brian Gillen (Allen Autry), Margaret Devereaux’s ex-husband will also make a comeback in season 2. One thing is for certain, Sylvester Stallone will find his way on top, no matter how many heads he has to press his lizard-skinned boots in. Starting September 15, 2024, the audience will see exactly how he becomes the King of Tulsa.
