Stallone is Back as Rocky Balboa Posted: Jan 07, 2006

The new Stallone movie, titled Rocky Balboa, began shooting in earlier this month and is being co-produced and co-financed by MGM, Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios. Stallone, who received Academy Award nominations for starring in and writing Rocky, will serve as writer and director of the film.

Rocky Balboa is the next story in the saga of Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa. Since the original 1976 film Rocky, there have been four sequels, Rocky II, III, IV, and V. Rocky Balboa will be the sixth major motion picture chronicling life and times of the popular character. In the film, Rocky has long since retired but is drawn back to the boxing ring one last time. On the way he is challenged by a powerful new champion, by personal tragedy and ultimately by himself.

According to Stallone, "Rocky Balboa is about everybody who feels they want to participate in the race of life, rather than be a bystander. You're never too old to climb a mountain, if that's your desire."

"We're convinced the Rocky franchise is as strong as ever, with a whole new generation of filmgoers ready to be introduced and an established fan base eager to be reacquainted with this iconic character, stated Dan Taylor, President of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. “We felt it was the perfect first film to be green lit under the 'new' MGM."

"In many ways, the screenplay really took me back to the original Rocky," said Revolution Studios founder Joe Roth. "As a past champion, Rocky Balboa is once again a regular guy who has to find himself and deal with real life. This film brings Rocky's story full-circle."

The film will be produced by Charles Winkler, William Chartoff and David Winkler. Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler, the producers of the previous Rocky films, will serve as executive producers.