Actors Dolph Lundgren and Carl Weathers reunite 34 years after co-starring in Rocky IV. Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, the 1985 franchise film features unforgettable matches between two American boxers and a vicious Russian fighter.
Produced for $28 million, Rocky IV had a significantly higher budget than the first three franchise installments, but failed to receive a similar level of critical acclaim. In the film, both Rocky Balboa (Stallone) and Apollo Creed (Weathers) take on Ivan Drago (Lundgren), with significantly different results. Rocky IV capitalized on themes of masculinity and American freedom, all the while pushing the franchise forward with a $300 million box office take. Later in the ‘80s, Weathers starred in popular films like Predator and Action Jackson. Meanwhile, Rocky IV kicked off a steady feature film career for Lundgren, who has become well-known for his direct-to-video action movies. In 2018, Lundgren reprised his Rocky franchise role in Creed II, and also portrayed King Nereus in Aquaman.
Recently, Lundgren and Weathers reunited for a “rematch” at Gold’s Gym Venice. On Instagram, Lundgren posted a photo of the two Rocky IV actors, which includes the caption: “Apollo’s looking dangerous.” For a little extra flair, Lundgren added a couple emojis to celebrate their famous yet violent on-screen boxing match. The photo has a different aesthetic and vibe than Lundgren’s previous post, in which he wears a cowboy hat and Western clothing while wishing happy birthday to friend Aaron MacPherson. With over 1.8 million Instagram followers, Lundgren makes sure to keep his fan base entertained. Check out the Rocky IV reunion photo below.
On August 15, Lundgren posted a throwback photo of him with the aforementioned Stallone. For a caption, he simply states, “Looks like these two gentlemen may be working together again.” To date, eight Rocky films have been released, and Stallone confirmed last May that a new Rocky movie is in the works, and maybe even be a possible prequel television series. Given that Lundgren remains a working actor, and Stallone will soon unveil the latest film in the Rambo franchise, Rambo: Last Blood, both men do appear ready for yet another Rocky franchise film, certainly if they continue to be relevant and beloved pop culture figures.
As for Weathers, the former Oakland Raiders football player has remained a working actor like his Rocky IV co-stars. In fact, he voiced Omnitraxus Prime in the Disney series Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and also voiced Combat Carl in Toy Story 4. Soon, he’ll appear in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. And though Weathers hasn’t appeared on the big screen that much in recent years, his cinematic legacy is fully alive via the Rocky franchise character Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan.
More: Sylvester Stallone Explains Why He Cast Dolph Lundgren in Rocky IV
Source: Dolph Lundgren/Instagram
