Released across the United States on November 27, 1985, Rocky IV, became the biggest money-spinner in the acclaimed franchise presented by Sylvester Stallone. The storyline followed the underdog’s sojourn through hard-wearing perils and finally winning. However, the adjoining narrative of ‘Rocky Balboa’s’ former rival-turned-friend ‘Apollo Creed’, meeting a brutal end at the hands of ‘Ivan Drago,’ left many hearts broken.

Played to the hilt by Hollywood veteran Carl Weathers, ‘Apollo Creed’ came to life as the undefeated Heavyweight champion in the series’ first edition Rocky. Stallone, who reportedly wrote the movie’s script after chancing upon the Muhammad Ali – Chuck Wepner bout in 1975, is believed to have based ‘Creed’s’ character on Ali.

Sylvester Stallone has a question for the fans

The highly theatrical, trash-talking, and rapping Muhammad Ali provided a befitting model to be replicated on-screen. The character became so iconic that the production house launched a sister franchise, eponymously titled Creed, in 2015.

But what would have happened if, instead of passing away in the ring, ‘Apollo Creed’ had survived the onslaught? Probably injured badly, would he have gone back and avenged the loss after recuperating fully? The character was already forty-three in the fourth installment. Hence, a forced retirement could have opened the doors to training opportunities in all likelihood. The actor, who has over sixteen million followers on Instagram, shared an open question. “Think Apollo should have stayed Alive?” @officialslystallone asked.

Interestingly, some two years ago, Sylvester Stallone released The Making of Rocky vs. Drago, a documentary, along with Rocky IV, the director’s cut version. Recorded by his friend John Herzfeld, the actor shared an exciting aspect hitherto unknown to most. If given a chance to re-do the entire movie, then according to Stallone, the character of ‘Apollo Creed’ would not have died.

“It was foolish… Him in a wheelchair, he would’ve assumed the role of Mickey. And now, his physicality has been diminished. We would’ve seen a different side of Apollo…could’ve opened up all these other things that we didn’t even know about. He would’ve been kind of a father figure, brother, mentor,” he said.

As the two further continued, in all probability, the storyline of the 1990 release Rocky V, and the 2006’s Rocky Balboa could have been different. That’s something most die-hard fans would agree with.

Read More: Forgotten Photo of Sylvester Stallone With Legend Mike Tyson Makes Boxing World Nostalgic

Which is your favorite Rocky movie of all time? Do let us know in the comments section below.

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