The legendary actor Sylvester Stallone often known for his appearance in action-packed movies created an impressive resume with his stage craft. However, his dedication to action movies is also something that kept him away from several big-budget blockbuster movies. Revealing how he once auditioned for Superman, Stallone mentioned what kept him away from superhero movies.
Previously failing to impress directors and producers with his acting skills, Sylvester Stallone confessed to missing out on a few DC movies. However, eventually, with time, Stallone made his debut in DC as well as navigated his way into Marvel.
Sylvester Stallone Almost Made His DC Debut In The 1970s
Churning out action movies and dramas, Sylvester Stallone made his way into Hollywood to be one of the most recognizable veteran actors. Being in the entertainment industry for decades, the actor delivered some critical hits and achieved notable awards. However, one thing that he failed to bag, was a renowned superhero movie to launch his career during his prime years.
Despite being an action hero, Sylvester Stallone never got the opportunity to appear in the universe of Capped Crusaders. However, the actor once came quite close to making his way into the DC universe. Following his popular hit Rocky, Stallone was considered for the role of Superman in the 1970s. He even appeared to audition as Man of Steel, however failed to impress director, Richard Donner.
Another reason that stole his opportunity was Marlon Brando, the actor who played the role of Jor-El in Superman. Evidently, Stallone was often compared to Brando for his sensitive tough guy performance in Rocky. Therefore, the Superman actor reportedly didn’t want someone who might steal his spotlight. Thus, the Rambo star was refused the role, which later made him realize “several films I missed out on and wished I’d done”.
Sylvester Stallone Made His Way Into Superhero Movies
Eventually, defying all odds, and taking his sweet time, the veteran action hero made his way into the superhero universe. While Sylvester Stallone previously failed to impress director, Richard Donner, he certainly appeared to be the right choice for the acclaimed filmmaker, James Gunn. Collaborating with Gunn for Marvel Studios, Stallone appeared in MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), as Stakar Ogord, one of Yondu’s old Ravager cohorts.
Delivering an astounding performance in MCU, Stallone bagged his next deal for DC, as the actor confirmed his role as King Shark in The Suicide Squad (2021). Collaborating with Gunn all over again, the veteran action hero made memorable moments. Although he was previously stripped of his superhero opportunity, the actor eventually navigated his way into comic book movies.
Following his popularity through MCU and DC movies, Sylvester Stallone bagged his third superhero movie Samaritan (2022). Playing the role of the mysterious legend, Joe Smith, who is actually a superhero gone missing decades ago, Stallone rocked the silver screen with his superpowers and dreadful battles against his rivals.
Source: Looper, Cinemablend
