The Actors Behind Rocky: Who Could Step In If Needed?

When Sylvester Stallone burst onto the scene with ldquo;Rocky,rdquo; the legendary band of characters he created captured the hearts of fans worldwide. However, little did many know that there were actors well-qualified to step in if something went wrong. This article delves into the potential backups for the main characters in the iconic film.

Who Was Considered for the Role of Rocky?

Burt Reynolds: Initially, the studio was set on casting Burt Reynolds for the role of Rocky Balboa. Reynolds was a megastar at the time, with a string of successful films under his belt. Despite his immense fame, Stallone was the winner of the script, and his insistence on playing the lead eventually led to his casting.

Ken Norton and Apollo Creed

Although Ken Norton's name is not as well-known as those of his co-stars, he was originally considered for the role of Apollo Creed. Norton, a former heavyweight champion, had the physical stature to play the role- he stood at 6’4″, towering over Sylver Stallone who was only 5’10″. However, having a character so much taller than Stallone created visual issues. Therefore, Carl Weathers was cast in the role, standing at the same height as Stallone, ensuring the characters appeared more comparable in height.

Ryan O'Neal and the Script

Ryan O'Neal, another potential player for Rocky, was considered for the role. Not only was he a well-known actor, but O'Neal, like Stallone, was an amateur boxer. However, unlike Stallone, O'Neal was not the author of the script, which was a decisive factor in his not being cast as Rocky.

Zoe Saldana and the Tallest Characters

Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith, and Burt Young were cast based on the notion of visual aesthetics. Having actors of shorter stature made Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) appear taller and more imposing. This choice was likely made by the film's director or a cinematographer, ensuring all characters were appropriately proportioned on screen.

Closing Thoughts

The casting of ldquo;Rockyrdquo; was a complex process involving a mix of talent, physical requirements, and the script's influence. Burt Reynolds, Ken Norton, Ryan O'Neal, and others were considered for various roles, but ultimately, it was the story and the budget that decided the final cast. This article has demonstrated the behind-the-scenes drama that went into ensuring all the main characters in ldquo;Rockyrdquo; fit their roles perfectly.