Sylvester Stallone seems to be stepping back from some of his biggest franchises, but that makes two sequels from the actor way more possible.
Sylvester Stallone appears to be having franchise problems as of late, and while his departures from certain projects will come as a disappointment to fans, they make two sequels far more likely. Stallone’s best movies include a number of iconic action flicks, many of which are part of larger franchises. Stallone has built a career on such projects, but recently, he seems to be stepping back from all that. Given Stallone’s current approach to franchises, viewers are left to wonder what’s next for the 77-year-old actor.
Stallone’s upcoming releases include several movies in pre-production, including Little America and Hunter, as well as Armored, which is expected to debut in 2024. The actor’s slate of upcoming projects doesn’t include any of his typical franchise fare, suggesting he’s moving away from those sorts of releases. Of course, the fact that he has an open schedule means that he can finally work on two sequels for major series.
Sylvester Stallone’s Franchise Problem Explained
The Actor Stepped Back From The Expendables & Creed
Stallone has built his career on massive action franchises, but recent years have seen him letting go of such roles. The Expendables movies are among Stallone’s biggest and best, but 2023’s Expend4bles sees the actor passing the baton to the next generation of characters. Stallone already quit and rejoined The Expendables franchise due to creative differences, and his role in the fourth installment was noticeably reduced. He’s not expected to show up in further sequels, which will likely focus on characters other than Barney Ross if they happen.
Stallone is also known for the Rocky movies, which eventually lead into the Creed series. Stallone reprises his role as Rocky Balboa in the first two Creed films, serving as a mentor to Michael B. Jordan’s lead, Adonis Creed. This proved an exciting way to continue the character’s story, but Stallone didn’t return for 2023’s Creed III. As for why Stallone doesn’t appear in Creed III, the actor wasn’t sure there was a reason for his character to be involved in the story. This marks the second franchise Stallone stepped back from this year, but it’s possible it won’t be permanent, especially now that he has time for other projects.
Sylvester Stallone’s Franchise Struggles Prove He Still Needs Rocky – Will He Be In Creed 4?
Creed 3 Leaves The Door Open For Rocky To Return
Stallone’s franchise struggles could prove that the actor still needs the role of Rocky Balboa — the part that catapulted him to stardom. He first portrayed the boxer in the 1976 film Rocky, and he’s reprised the role in every Rocky sequel and Creed movie up until Creed 3. Although Stallone doesn’t appear interested in being involved in Creed’s future, he may wish to return to the franchise without any others left to work on. Given the way Rocky was written out of Creed 3, it’s not impossible for the character to show up in Creed 4. The third installment confirms Rocky is still alive despite passing the torch to Adonis.
Even if Stallone doesn’t reprise his role as Rocky Balboa in Creed 4, another Rocky sequel is possible now that he’s finished with projects like The Expendables. There are many reasons Rocky 7 can still happen, including the fact that Stallone already planned the sequel’s story. If Stallone decides he needs to play Rocky again, he has options regarding how to go about it. Of course, there’s another role he could return to as well, and it’s one that would be equally as exciting.
Sylvester Stallone Could Make Rambo 6 After Franchise Problems
He Doesn’t Need To Return As John Rambo Either
If Stallone’s franchise problems leave him with an open schedule, it could also give the actor the time and desire to make Rambo 6. Although another Rambo movie isn’t currently in the works, there’s certainly still a demand for more adventures in this world. Stallone’s age might make a Rambo return a difficult ask, but it wouldn’t be the first time the actor surprised fans by reviving the beloved action franchise. He’s emphasized that he doesn’t plan on returning to the role of John Rambo, but the studio could offer enough of an incentive — or Stallone’s lack of other franchises could convince him to pick this one back up.
Even if Stallone himself doesn’t star in Rambo 6, the franchise could continue and involve the actor in a creative capacity. Given his experience as a writer, director, and producer — and longtime involvement with the Rambo movies — Sylvester Stallone would be the right person to choose a new direction for the franchise. Whatever happens, it’s far more likely a Rambo 6 will happen now that the actor isn’t working on other major projects.