It appears that Sylvester Stallone is not on board with the proposed "Rocky" spinoff "Drago."
In a now-deleted post in Instagram, Stallone posted "I never wanted ROCKY characters to be exploited by these parasites," as reported by the Entertainment Weekly.
"Drago" is after further expanding the boxing film franchise again. Although early news about the newly announced "Drago" spinoff first got out last week, there was no plot details or cast members announced yet.
Stallone Uses Instagram to Express His Frustration over 'Drago' Spinoff
Over the weekend, Stallone took to Instagram his outrage over the "Drago" spinoff.
The actor did not specifically address anyone in the message but he made a reference to a "94-year-old producer," who is likely to be Irwin Winkler. Stallone implies that this producer is behind the proposed film that he didn't sign on.
In a report by the Entertainment Weekly, Stallone wrote: "Another heartbreaker. Once again, this pathetic 94-year-old producer and his moronic useless vulture children, Charles and David, are once again picking clean the bones of another wonderful character I created without even telling me."
But the actor's approval to pursue the spinoff is not necessarily needed because he has zero ownership over the property of the franchise that he created, according to GameSpot.
Stallone also apologized to the fans, saying he never wanted Rocky characters to be "exploited" by these "parasites."
Despite his disagreement to the proposed spinoff, Stallone said that he has no ill feelings towards actor Dolph Lundgren, who plays Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and Creed II, and who is on board with the project.
However, the actor said he wishes Lundgren had informed him of the latest development in the film franchise.
In the past, Stallone has expressed his wish to take control over the franchise. According to the Entertainment Weekly, he expressed in a post that the producer should give him what was left of the rights.
'Drago's' Former Actor Responds to Stallone's Comments
Meanwhile, over the weekend, Lundgren also took to Instagram his response to Stallone's message.
The actor who played Drago in previous films, wanted to set the record straight that the "Drago" spinoff is only "possible" at present time.
However, the spinoff has "no approved script, no deals in place, no director," as per Game Spot report.
Lundgren also said that he was under the impression that Stallone was involved in the project as a producer or even as an actor. He also added that he is "in touch with Balboa," assuring the fans that they can relax.
A then struggling Stallone created the character of Rocky Balboa, during the time that he was trying to break into Hollywood. He eventually headlined in five films and even direct "Rockys II-IV."
Stallone returned for the "Creed" movies, which stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed.
We don't know yet what will happen to this issue, but for the meantime fans can enjoy watching Stallone as the beloved character in "Creed III." The film is set to hit theaters this Nov. 23.
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