How Sylvester Stallone Overcame Career Setbacks to Become a ‘Creed’ Trailblazer

Sylvester Stallone’s career has long been a testament to determination, reinvention, and the power of a compelling story. While he cemented his place in cinematic history decades ago with Rocky and First Blood, his role in Creed (2015) was nothing short of a career renaissance, reminding both critics and audiences of the depth and charisma that first made him a household name.

A Rocky Start and a Legendary Franchise

Stallone’s career began in the shadow of rejection. Before Rocky (1976), he was just another struggling actor, taking on small roles and facing countless setbacks. But his self-penned script for Rocky changed everything. The story of a determined underdog mirrored Stallone’s own life, and his portrayal of Rocky Balboa earned him Academy Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. The film’s massive success launched a franchise that saw him return for sequels spanning decades—Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), and Rocky V (1990)—each contributing to Stallone’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

Simultaneously, Stallone carved out a second iconic role as John Rambo. The Rambo series, starting with First Blood (1982) and continuing with Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Rambo III (1988), solidified his status as an action hero. Together, these franchises made Stallone a leading man in both sports drama and explosive, high-stakes action.

Challenges in the 2000s

The 2000s, however, presented new challenges. While Stallone revisited his beloved characters with Rocky Balboa (2006) and Rambo (2008), his other ventures struggled to capture the same magic. Films like Get Carter (2000) and Driven (2001) were critically panned, and smaller projects, such as Shade (2003) and Avenging Angelo (2002), failed to make much of a mark. Though his return to Rocky and Rambo brought moments of critical and commercial success, there was a sense that Stallone’s star power was no longer shining as brightly.

A Triumphant Comeback with Creed

That perception changed dramatically with the release of Creed in 2015. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film breathed new life into the Rocky franchise. Rather than focusing on Rocky’s own fights, Creed introduced Adonis Johnson, the son of Rocky’s late rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed. Stallone’s Rocky Balboa stepped into a mentor role, guiding the young fighter while battling his own health struggles.

This shift in perspective, combined with Coogler’s fresh direction and Michael B. Jordan’s standout performance as Adonis, elevated the story. Critics and fans alike praised the film, which grossed $173 million worldwide and earned a place on the National Board of Review’s top ten films of the year. For Stallone, the most remarkable result was the recognition of his performance: a Golden Globe win, multiple critics’ awards, and his first Oscar nomination since the original Rocky.

The Legacy Continues

Creed wasn’t just a successful movie—it was a reaffirmation of Stallone’s enduring talent. While he returned for Creed II (2018), he stepped back from the franchise for Creed III (2023) due to creative differences. Nonetheless, his role in shaping the Rocky and Creed sagas remains indisputable.

Today, Stallone’s career stands as a testament to resilience. From his early struggles to his 2015 comeback, he has continuously proven his ability to adapt, evolve, and deliver performances that resonate. With Creed, Stallone didn’t just revisit an old character—he redefined it, solidifying his legacy for a new generation of filmgoers.