Sylvester Stallone wants the rights to Rocky back

Veteran actor Sylvester Stallone was the writer and main star of the 1976 film Rocky. The movie was a big hit. While the script always had potential at the time the brass didn’t want Sly to be attached to it. Stallone insisted and ended up selling the script for a fraction of the offer. The gamble paid off and Stallone wrote and starred in five of its sequels.

Sylvester Stallone recently demanded the rights of the movies from the producer Irwin Winkler. The 76-year-old took to his Instagram account to post a pretty flattering drawing of the producer with a blade from his mouth and a body that resembles a snake.

“After IRWIN controlling ROCKY for over 47 years, and now CREED, I really would like have at least a little WHAT’s LEFT of my RIGHTS back, before passing it on to ONLY YOUR CHILDREN – I believe That would be a FAIR gesture from this 93 year old gentleman.” Stallone wrote in the caption.

“This is a painful subject That eats at my soul , because I wanted to leave something of Rocky for my children, but it’s always great hearing from the loyal fans… Keep Punching.” Stallone added.

Sylvester Stallone has long been scrambling for the rights of the Rocky franchise. According to his calculation during a talk with the Variety, for the first film, Stallone was paid around $75k for his acting and screenplay plus 10 net points that made him earn a total of $2.5 million.

He also explained that he didn’t push for ownership back in the days because he was afraid it would ruin the franchise.

“There was a certain code of business conduct, maybe not as much now, but back then, that you don’t ruffle the feathers of the golden goose.”

Irwin Winkler and several people affiliated with the franchise were surprised when they learned that Stallone is demanding the rights. They’re baffled with Stallone’s move knowing that the actor already profited hugely.

“He made money from every angle, and still does, so I don’t know what he’s complaining about.” One person who requested anonymity said.