Sylvester Stallone Condemns Proposed Drago Spinoff Film

Sylvester Stallone is not onboard with the proposed Rocky spinoff Drago, which would further expand the boxing film franchise again. Early word of a newly announced Drago spinoff, though without any plot details or cast members attached, first got out last week.

The actor took to Instagram over the weekend to express his outrage, in a post that has since been taken down. But, according to Entertainment Weekly, Stallone's forceful note criticized Drago's producers as "parasites" who have "exploited" the franchise he created. Though he does not address anyone by name in the message, Stallone makes reference to a "94-year-old producer"--likely Irwin Winkler, 91--who he implies is behind this proposed film that he didn't sign off on. However, Stallone's approval isn't needed because he has zero ownership over the property he created.

"Another heartbreaker," writes Stallone (via Entertainment Weekly). "Once again, this pathetic 94-year-old producer and his moronic useless vulture children, Charles and David, are once again picking clean the bones of another wonderful character I created without even telling me… I apologize to the fans, I never wanted Rocky characters to be exploited by these parasites."

Stallone made it clear that he has no ill will against actor Dolph Lundgren, who originated the role of Soviet boxer Ivan Dragon in 1985's Rocky IV. Lundgren also took to Instagram over the weekend to respond to Stallone's comments, wanting to set the record straight that the Drago spinoff is only "possible" right now, with "no approved script, no deals in place, no director, and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor."

Adds Lundgren, "In touch with Balboa--just so all the fans can relax."

Creed 3 was recently delayed to March 3, 2023. Before last week, the film was originally set for a Thanksgiving release with Michael B. Jordan directing in what will also be his third outing as the character--the son of Rocky's former rival.