Stallone Overcomes Injury in Rocky II

In a twist worthy of a Hollywood screenplay, Sylvester Stallone’s severe injury almost derailed ‘Rocky II’. The star sustained a torn pectoral muscle during a bench press challenge, nearly ending his iconic portrayal of Rocky Balboa. Yet, Stallone’s determination led to a creative adaptation in the film.

A Legendary Injury

While training with bodybuilder Franco Columbu, Stallone injured himself so severely that it could have spelled the end of his acting career. Despite the intense pain and the bleak prognosis, Stallone transformed adversity into opportunity. In an unprecedented move, he adapted the film’s script, allowing Rocky to fight right-handed instead of his natural southpaw stance, thus saving the sequel and his career.

Plot Twist Born from Real Pain

‘Rocky II’ introduced audiences to a new fighting style for Balboa, a change directly resulting from Stallone’s real-life injury. This adjustment was not only a significant plot twist but also a testament to Stallone’s relentless spirit. The film went on to gross $200 million worldwide, securing its place as a beloved sequel in the Rocky saga.