Sylvester Stallone's prolific Hollywood career has spanned decades, with films dominating box office charts each decade since the 1970s. Despite his successes, recent projects, including his heist film Armor and the thriller Alarum, have been met with substantial criticism, carrying the dubious honor of holding 0% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. The dual setbacks are prompting reflections not only on Stallone's cinematic legacy but also his persistent public image.
Stallone, often revered for iconic roles such as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, has navigated Hollywood’s shifts admirably over the years. This tremendous success can be attributed to his ability to reshape the action genre through films like The Expendables, which paid homage to the old-school action heroes of the past. Originally conceived as a straightforward action flick by screenwriter David Callaham, the film became something much more nostalgic under Stallone's direction, featuring an ensemble comprising '80s icons like Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even modern action staples like Jason Statham.
Yet, the road hasn’t been smooth lately. Stallone's recent action films have not only failed to woo audiences but have faced harsh reviews from critics. His latest works were indicative of the increasing scrutiny he faces, especially since both films have been labeled as drastic disappointments. It's almost surprising to witness such stark criticism for the actor who has withstood the test of time, often reinventing himself and his characters.
Making things even more complex, Stallone recently engaged with the current boxing culture, which includes his infamous 'Rocky' franchise. Boxers like Devin Haney have publicly criticized Stallone's retrospective comments on modern boxing. Referring to Stallone’s critique of contemporary standards as “easier,” Haney tweeted, “Dude doesn’t know a left hook from a fish hook... buddy, them Rocky movies weren’t real.”
Stallone's statements, made during discussions reminiscing about the filming of the first Rocky movie, implied nostalgia for when boxing seemed grittier. He mentioned the gloves used during filming, lamenting how they were perceived as too dangerous for today's standards. "Life is just getting easier and easier and easier..." he reflected, signaling his belief about the erosion of toughness and resilience in both men and the sport itself.
Responses like Haney’s are only underlining how Stallone finds himself at odds with the current generation of athletes and the boxing community. While the Rocky films have reflected triumph and tenacity, their creator is now experiencing pushback on his philosophical views. Could this disconnect between Stallone's golden age portrayals and modern-day sports mean legends like him will face increasing scrutiny?
Adding another layer to Stallone's recent complexity is his appointment as one of Donald Trump’s special envoys to Hollywood, alongside fellow actors Mel Gibson and Jon Voight. This continues to push Stallone's public persona beyond just the action hero role and political whispers. With Trump stating these actors would aid him to rejuvenate Hollywood's status, this political link may open him up to discussion and opinion polarized by political affiliations.
With Alarum and Armor floundering, some critics argue this might lead Stallone to reassess his approach to masculinity and the roles he chooses moving forward. The historical merit of the action genre holds some financial significance, but it is quickly learning the harsh reality of contemporary culture and commentary as it evolves. This evolution is particularly apparent as the action star attempts to adapt his traditional style to fit the current cinematic and social expectations.
Through all of this, his character remains steadfast—emphasizing determination, struggle, and resilience. Sylvester Stallone's continued influence cannot be dismissed simply based on his latest projects. His legacy remains complex, molding the film industry even amid back-to-back 0% ratings. His past triumphs may continue to offer him room for redemption and the ability to reclaim his status within popular culture.
Despite his missteps, it could be said Stallone is still very much on the scene, engaging with new talent like Scott Eastwood, whose latest film Alarum features Stallone himself. Eastwood described Stallone as 'a legend,' highlighting the respect and admiration many still hold for him. Perhaps it’s this new generation, along with Stallone’s resilience, which will fuel him to once again reinvent himself, as he has done many times before.
Whether viewers and critics will embrace the older action star once more remains to be seen, but what Stallone has achieved uniquely ties him to the fabric of Hollywood itself—a fabric now being woven anew.