Stallone sets stage for 'Rocky' comeback film
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-18 10:07

Down but never out, actor Sylvester Stallone is forging a movie comeback for the unlikely boxing champion, Rocky Balboa, who sent Stallone's star soaring and won Oscars nearly 30 years ago, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer said on Monday.

Sylvester Stallone signs a fan's autograph following an unveiling ceremony for producer Mike Medavoy's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood September 19, 2005. Stallone is signing on to reprise his role as boxer Rocky Balboa in the sixth installment of the long-running film series, which he wrote and will direct. The film, titled 'Rocky Balboa,' will be co-produced and co-financed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios and will be distributed by Columbia Pictures. [Reuters]

Stallone, 59, will reprise his role in the sixth "Rocky" film, titled "Rocky Balboa," playing the Philadelphia boxer who is lured out of a long retirement to fight a championship bout while dealing with personal tragedy outside the ring.

"'Rocky Balboa' is about everybody who feels they want to participate in the race of life, rather than be a bystander. You're never too old to climb a mountain, if that's your desire," Stallone said in a statement.

The original "Rocky" in 1976 told of a lowly club fighter in Philadelphia who gets his one shot at the championship title and loses in a split decision but wins a personal triumph. It proved to be a box office smash, raking in $117 million and winning Oscars, the U.S. film industry's top honors, for directing, editing and best film.

Stallone, who also wrote the screenplay, was nominated for best actor but lost to Peter Finch for "Network."

Most successor films proved strong with fans as a parade of high-profile pugilists battled Rocky, including actors Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren. But "Rocky V" failed to excite fans and earned a meager $41 million at U.S. and Canadian box offices.

MGM President Dan Taylor said he was convinced that "a whole new generation of filmgoers (is) ready to be introduced" to Rocky Balboa and his life in and out of the ring.

The new film will begin production early next year and is backed by MGM, Columbia Pictures, and Revolution Studios.