Promoting his new memoir, the actor discussed modern Hollywood, an upcoming biopic and his past health struggles.
Sylvester Stallone said he would be in “big trouble” if he tried to start his acting career in today’s Hollywood, speaking Monday during an onstage conversation at 92NY.
Interviewed by Tracy Smith of CBS Sunday Morning to promote his memoir, “The Steps,” the 80-year-old actor said modern filmmaking operates under an entirely different mindset. Stallone explained that actors look and act differently now, adding that current movie subject matter isn’t something he relates to. He compared the environment to the 1972 film “The Godfather,” arguing that filmmakers today couldn’t cast that movie because modern productions overlook how original films were tied to their specific time and culture.
Stallone also joked about what his life would look like if the original 1976 “Rocky” hadn’t succeeded. He told the audience he likely would have ended up in prison or working with horses and other animals.
Biopic reaction and ‘Rocky V’ recut
Stallone addressed “I Play Rocky,” an upcoming biopic directed by Peter Farrelly that stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone during the making of the 1976 boxing movie. The project premiered earlier in the month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Stallone said he had no involvement in the film and initially had mixed feelings. “I’m not dead yet. Aren’t we jumping the gun a little bit?” he said. He added that his view shifted after seeing footage of Ippolito, remarking that he briefly mistook the performance for himself.
Stallone also revealed he’s trying to get Amazon to permit him to recut 1990’s “Rocky V,” calling the installment “a thorn in my side.” He said he regretted not directing the project himself and admitted he “took my foot off the gas” while making it.
Health battles and book release
The appearance follows Stallone’s recent interview with The New York Times, where he revealed he developed bulimia while preparing for the 1982 movie “Rambo.” Stallone said his effort to achieve an animalistic look turned into an obsession with fitness. During “Rocky III,” his body fat dropped to 2.6%. Stallone also disclosed that he took steroids in six-week cycles, underwent surgeries on his neck, back and shoulder from stunt injuries, and experienced recurring panic attacks that began at age 36.
Outlets reported differing release dates for Stallone’s memoir. Fox News reported that “The Steps: A Memoir” releases on Sept. 29, while The Hollywood Reporter stated the book would arrive in stores on Tuesday.
