Sylvester Stallone turned down $34 million for movie role he ended up doing later anyway

Sylvester Stallone has revealed he once turned down a whopping $34 million to star in a movie, and then later on ended up doing that movie anyway.

When it comes to action movie heroes Stallone has got to be one of the few to obtain bona-fide legendary status.

While he's been in some absolutely terrible films over the years, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot springs to mind, and it's no wonder Arnold Schwarzenegger tricked him into taking that job during the height of their rivalry, his career includes cinematic icons like Rocky and Rambo.

Big stars get paid the big bucks, though the actor recently admitted that there was one absolutely massive payday he missed out on, only to end up doing the movie later on anyway.

Entertainment Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter about all sorts of things, the movie legend revealed that back in the late 80s he was offered $34 million for another Rambo film and said no.

The only thing is that 20 years later he ended up doing Rambo IV anyway for much less money, and as mentioned $34 million back in the 80s was worth a lot more than $34 million a couple of decades later.

He said: "I turned down 34. We were doing Rambo III. We thought it was going to be the biggest hit - this was before it came out.

"And I was paid a fortune for it. Then they go, 'We want Rambo IV. Here it is: Pay or play, 34.' I go, 'Let’s not jump the gun here.'"

"That’s not a joke. Oh boy, what an idiot. Now I think about that and, wow."

Wow indeed, as the Hollywood Reporter notes that a payday like that would have been worth closer to $85 million in today's money.

Atlaspix / Alamy Stock Photo

Stallone has had other regrets throughout his career, with the movie star including doing so many of his own stunts among them.

Being the Hollywood tough guy who puts their body through all sorts of punishment is one way to gain a legendary reputation, but when you're in your 70s you tend to feel all of those cumulative injuries.

He remembers one moment in his career that nearly killed him as a blow he took during his fight scenes with Dolph Lundgren for Rocky IV caused his heart to swell up.

Another of his regrets seems to have been not securing the rights to the Rocky movies, as Stallone recently hit out at producer Irwin Winkler and demanded he own the rights to the character and franchise he created.

Topics: Sylvester Stallone, Film and TV, Celebrity

Joe Harker

Joe graduated from the University of Salford with a degree in Journalism and worked for Reach before joining the LADbible Group. When not writing he enjoys the nerdier things in life like painting wargaming miniatures and chatting with other nerds on the internet. He's also spent a few years coaching fencing. Contact him via [email protected]

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