Advertisement

Sylvester Stallone: 'They would’ve cast a kangaroo in 'Rocky''

Actor Sylvester Stallone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rambo V: Last Blood' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)
Actor Sylvester Stallone poses for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rambo V: Last Blood' at the 72nd international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Friday, May 24, 2019. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

“Going in one more round when you don’t think you can. That’s what makes all the difference in your life.” Stallone uttered these iconic words many moons ago when he played fighter Rocky Balboa, but it could well apply to his own career too.

That was clear at the Cannes Film Festival today, when the 72-year old action star gave a masterclass on being an unconventional star and understand what it takes to succeed.

“I’ve had a hundred bad ideas to every one good one, but all you need is one good idea,” he said.

He spent much of the time chatting about his two most famous roles – Rambo and Rocky, revealing how hard he had to fight to play the latter character.

“They would’ve taken a kangaroo — anybody but me,” he admitted. He went on to reveal to the delighted audience that he actually still lives with the two turtles from boxing hit. The reptiles are now believed to be about 55 years old.

Read more: ‘Rocky’ Turns 40: The Story Behind the Epic Fight and the Last-Minute Change to the Ending

His entrance at the event was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, after many had queued for hours for a seat at the masterclass.

Stallone also talked about Rambo, and how the film took on a life of its own after a quote by then president Ronald Reagan.

“I’m almost a political atheist. I’m not a political animal and I never wanted to be. I just thought, this is an interesting story about alienation,” he explained. “But oh my God, once President Reagan went, ‘I saw Rambo, and he’s a Republican!’”. Variety reported that the actor then dropped the mic in mock surprise to the delight of the crowd.

Read more: 'Rambo: Last Blood' will have a potentially controversial plot

The actor was in town to promote the September release of Rambo: Last Blood. No trailer has been released as yet, but some exclusive footage is being shown at the festival.

When Stallone posted the September 20 release date on his Instagram feed two days ago. Steven Seagal was one of over 185,000 people to like it add his own comment - a single folded hands emoji in anticipation of the coming picture.

tical-1203225438/