Sylvester Stallone is back on the big screen, showcasing his legendary status as he teams up with younger talent in the highly anticipated action-thriller, Alarum. Set to be released by Lionsgate on January 17, 2025, the film features Stallone alongside Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald, promising to be an explosive addition to his already impressive filmography.
Alarum tells the story of two spies, Joe and Lara, played by Eastwood and Fitzgerald, who must navigate the treacherous waters of espionage after their peaceful lives are disrupted by unwelcome threats from the past. This film places Stallone's character, Chester, as the agent sent to bring the rogue couple to justice, delivering the kind of suspense and action fans expect from Stallone's work.
Scott Eastwood, known for his roles in several action films, shared his excitement about working with Stallone. Speaking to People, Eastwood noted, "He’s the real deal... He’s just a great dude," highlighting Stallone's down-to-earth character behind the scenes. Their shared moments on set were described as "a master class in nuance and energy" by director Michael Polish, underscoring the chemistry between the two actors. Eastwood remarked, "Getting to kick with Sylvester Stallone had to be a bucket list moment for you, right? A hundred percent."
Stallone's expertise and comfort on set bring relevance to Eastwood's performance as well. Eastwood noted deeply how Stallone approaches his roles, saying, "You can feel how comfortable he is at just doing the bit and reacting and just being in the moment." This collaborative atmosphere fosters memorable performances, inviting audiences to watch their dynamic as they engage with the story.
While Alarum is garnering attention, Stallone is not only focused on this project. He is also facing some interesting challenges related to technology and voice acting. Recently, the daughter of Alain Dorval, the iconic French voice of Stallone’s characters, criticized the use of AI technology to recreate her late father's voice for dubbing films. Dorval lent his voice to many of Stallone's notable roles, including iconic characters like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. The UK-based tech startup, ElevenLabs, stirred controversy by announcing plans to use AI to recreate Dorval's voice for the French dub of Stallone's upcoming action thriller, Armor, set to premiere on Amazon France. Aurore Bergé expressed her concerns, expressing disappointment over how the AI voice recreation was initiated without proper consultation. She stated, "I agreed to a trial... and I never approved such a broadcast. And my father would never have approved it as it was."
The controversy surrounding the use of AI technology raises significant questions about ethics and respect for the voices of deceased actors within the film industry. ElevenLabs has stated their intent to honor Dorval’s legacy and maintain oversight throughout the dubbing process, assuring his family retains control over the portrayal of his voice.
Returning to Stallone's collaborations, Alarum appears to rekindle the action hero's legacy and connects the next generation of actors. With Eastwood and Fitzgerald at his side, Stallone is not only handing down insights but also participating actively as he breathes life back to his iconic roles. The film industry is slowly greasing gears for sequels as Eastwood has expressed interest. "If people like it, let’s start with the sequel discussion," he chuckled, showcasing his ambitions for future projects.
Scott Eastwood also alluded to the dynamic often seen within espionage films—questions of trust and motives. He mentioned, "That’s the fun of it, right? I mean, who can you trust?" This narrative twist adds to audience excitement as viewers are often left on the edge of their seats, hydrated by the thrills of intrigue.
While Stallone continues to engage with new audiences and explore new technologies, his legacy remains significant. The practice of AI dubbing ignites discussions about authenticity and respect, which reflect on the essence of cinema today. With fast-paced action and rich narrative, Alarum is set to be more than just another spy thriller—it's another chapter for Stallone and his impressive collaboration with contemporary stars.
This reunion of Stallone with modern action aficionados not only evidences his lasting relevance but also showcases his willingness to continually evolve within the industry. Fans eagerly await Alarum, ensuring Stallone's name stays etched firmly within the echelons of cinematic legends.