Sylvester Stallone is one of the legendary Hollywood actors, who has done a plethora of roles in his movies. The Cliffhanger actor started his career as a struggling actor, but he soon made it big into the industry as he possessed a magnetic personality, and a chiseled physique, making him a great choice for an action hero. As a result, he got his breakthrough in the timeless classic boxing film, Rocky, where he played the role of Rocky Balboa, an underdog boxer.
The film is an iconic part of cinema history, as it is an entertaining sports drama that strongly resonates among its viewers of different generations. The movie not only featured exhilarating fights but also displayed a moving and resonating tale of Rocky Balboa, that could be relatable on a personal level. Even though the film is immensely popular, becoming a timeless classic film to watch, an inexpertly drafted agreement cost him $ 1.65 billion, equivalent to the net worth of two Dwayne Johnsons.
Sylvester Stallone Signed An Un-negotiable Rocky Contract
Sylvester Stallone was once a struggling actor with no name or reputation in the movie industry, as he has now. During, his early days he was desperate to get his script read by some massive production company. However, the production companies worked differently back then. Hence, when interest came from Irwin Winkler and MGM Studios, the Escape Plan actor wanted to do everything in his power to make his dream project a reality.
Stallone was aided by agents Craig T. Rumar and Larry Kubik brokering the deal, and Stallone’s dream eventually became a reality. However, the deal was sinister in nature, as he could never re-negotiate it, leaving no options for getting the profits from the films.
Craig T. Rumar’s son, Christopher Rumar, stated how production companies prefer having more profit to themselves than giving it to the actors, and he agrees with Sylvester Stallone’s position.
“I think what (WBN) wrote originally is great. I believe you are correct that the Hollywood system, even today, does favor the studios and producers in terms of long-term profits over actors. I also agree with Mr. Stallone 100% on his overall position.”
Christopher Rumar discussed more about the percentage cut and how royalty works in the film industry.
Christopher Rumar Explains The Royalty Distribution System
In the same interview, Rumar stated that the long-term royalties depend on major factors such as star power, and the forecasted earnings of the film. Something which Sylvester Stallone had neither of in 1975 and his father managed to grab the actor, the possible deal on the table.
“However, I must again point out that ability to dictate long-term royalties in the film industry is based on star power and projected earnings. In 1975, Mr. Stallone had neither of these. He was a no-name actor that wrote what turned out to be an iconic movie franchise. My father and Mr. Kubik secured for him the best possible deal at the time based on who Mr. Stallone was in terms of his status in the film industry.”
Christopher Rumar stated, had if Stallone demanded more than the standard contract, then this iconic franchise would never take place.
“Had they demanded anything more than the standard contract for acting and writing, this film would have never been made. Mr. Stallone was in no position to dictate long-term or future royalties. He was basically an unknown commodity.”
Although, Rumar’s son shares his father’s perspective about the contract, and how they did their best. Sylvester Stallone claims he has no bad blood for Rumar and Lubik. However, it is a shame to learn that Stallone created one of the greatest boxing franchises ever had signed his rights away.
Rocky 1 can be streamed on Netflix.
Source: World Boxing News
