Sylvester Stallone Earned Way Less Money For Rambo 4 After Turning Down $34 Million Offer
Think about the biggest action film stars in the world during the 1980s, and Sylvester Stallone will land your brains. And why not? after all the hard work and power-packed performances, the legend was soon recognized as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors and is still commended for his contribution to the entertainment world.
However, what might startle many is Sylvester Stallone’s decision to initially reject an offer of $34 million for Rambo IV, just to earn way less than it later. The Rocky star revealed regretting turning down the initial offer during the time of Rambo III and then ending up getting even less amount for the fourth installment.
Sylvester Stallone Regrets Rejecting $34 Million For Rambo IV: Ended Up Earning Even Less
The entertainment industry is no stranger to unfortunate turns of events, and one such unfolded with action legend Sylvester Stallone. The Expendables star revealed that when Rambo III was set for its release, they believed it would bring a triumphant success. Following the hope, Stallone was offered to sign for the fourth installment. But after hearing that he would only be paid $34 million, the Creed star took no time in turning it down.
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What happened after the release of Rambo III turned out more startling for Sylvester Stallone as the actor ended up getting a lesser pay than the initial $34 million he was offered. Quite a jolting revelation, right? Well, Stallone himself told The Hollywood Reporter that he regrets losing on the opening amount:
“I turned down 34 [$ million]. We were doing Rambo III. We thought it was going to be the biggest hit — this was before it came out. And I was paid a fortune for it. Then they go, “We want Rambo IV. Here it is: Pay or play, 34.” I go, “Let’s not jump the gun here…”
Considering inflation, that 1980s $34 million would be around $85 million today, after which the Tulsa King expressed disappointment by saying, “Oh boy, what an idiot. Now I think about that and … wow.” However, his career didn’t end there, and since Stallone is undeniably an exceptional hero, he possesses the incredible ability to look on the brighter side and ignore the criticism and backlash his movies like Rambo IV received.
Sylvester Stallone Revealed Trying Drugs For The First Time
Substance abuse is one of the most concerning elements in celebrities’ lives. Especially when they are highly acclaimed and are bothered with small barriers that might emerge as huge problems later in their acting career. Similarly, with Sylvester Stallone, he was the most lauded star after Rocky came out. Following its success, the actor was about to start filming for the third installment, and this is when he tried using drugs.
During the same interview, Stallone explained that he tried “Dexedrine” for the first time to gain a specific weight for Rocky III. When asked if he was addicted to substance abuse ever, The Contender star replied:
“Amazingly, never. I tried it once and it was no good. I was doing Rocky III and had to get down to a certain weight — too thin, actually. I was drinking 20, 30 cups of coffee a day and eating tuna fish. Somebody goes, ’Try this Dexedrine.” And then I didn’t know where I was — I’m directing on a rocket ship. I’m (imitates grinding his jaw) and my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth. I said, “That’s it.”
Sylvester Stallone’s first time trying the drug became his last, as it negatively impacted his body, and that’s when the legend decided not to ever try them again. The actor further talked about his past statements about abusing power and allegations against him, clarifying that they were all false and he never harmed any women. By saying “abused power,” Sylvester Stallone meant his words and statements, not actions.
Rambo IV is available on Prime Video.
