Hogan Accuses Stallone of Body Doubles in Rocky III

Sylvester Stallone and Hulk Hogan’s Intense Battle in Rocky III

When it comes to the iconic boxing movie franchise, Rocky, many fans know that Sylvester Stallone was willing to take the hits and get punched in the face to bring those intense scenes to life. But few people know about the incredible physicality involved in the making of Rocky III, where Stallone teamed up with wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan to create an unforgettable scene.

Intensity Behind the Scenes

Stallone cast Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips in Rocky III, a role that would put both men to the test. According to Hogan, Sly was willing to lift him up and slam him in a real-life bodyslam outside the ring. This, despite Hogan being a whopping 240 pounds heavier than Stallone at the time.

A Scene That Felt Real

In the movie, Rocky Balboa is tricked into thinking he’s facing a charity match against Thunderlips, but things take a wild turn when Hogan decides to take it to the limit. Speaking about the intense scene, Hogan recalled that when Stallone lifted him up for the bodyslam, he thought he was going to get crushed. But to his surprise, Sly managed to hoist him up and slam him to the ground, leaving the two actors covered in sweat and bruises.

Hogan: Stallone’s Unbelievable Strength

“That was him, bro,” Hogan emphasized. “He was like 160 pounds, and I was like 320. He got me up, and he was wobbling. That was him. He did everything. He did all his own stunts.”

Sly Stallone’s Physical Training

Stallone has always been known for his dedication to getting into shape for his roles, but his preparation for Rocky III took it to the next level. In order to create an authentic boxing movie experience, Sly pushed himself to get ripped, achieving a remarkable 2.8% body fat level. This incredible physical transformation was a testament to his commitment to bring the characters to life on screen.

Hogan and Sly’s Mutual Respect

When asked about the experience working with Stallone, Hogan was quick to praise his co-star’s incredible strength and dedication. He recalled that Stallone was just as tough as any professional wrestler he had worked with before, and that his respect for the actor grew during their time working together on the film.

A Memorable Fight Scene

The bout between Rocky Balboa and Thunderlips remains one of the most memorable scenes in movie history, and it’s clear that both Stallone and Hogan brought their A-game to the set. “WOW,” responded Sly after watching Hogan’s comments in a clip. “Hulk was the best. Fantastic athlete and threw the most amazing punches of all. Because he was bare-fisted, I could actually feel his punch touching my skin, yet he knew how to pull back… Amazing!”

Credits and Thanks

Rocky III was a gigantic success, surpassing its predecessors in both critical acclaim and box office numbers. The movie’s success was a testament to the incredible chemistry between Sly Stallone, Hulk Hogan, and the entire cast and crew. Today, fans of the franchise still remember this unforgettable scene as a true highlight of the series.

Conclusion

The bond between Sylvester Stallone and Hulk Hogan is a testament to the incredible physicality and dedication required to bring iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and Thunderlips to life. This unforgettable fight scene in Rocky III remains a symbol of their mutual respect and admiration for one another’s skills.

FAQs

Q: How did Stallone manage to lift Hogan during the bodyslam scene in Rocky III?

A: According to Hogan, Stallone did it all himself, using his incredible strength and athleticism to lift the heavier Hogan off the ground.

Q: What was the condition of Sly Stallone during filming?

A: Sly achieved a remarkable 2.8% body fat level for the role, getting ripped for the intense boxing scenes in the movie.

Q: What did Sly say about working with Hogan?

A: Sly praised Hogan’s incredible athletic ability, calling him the best puncher he’d ever worked with, and acknowledging the immense physicality involved in their memorable fight scene.