10/20/2005
Stallone Returning For 'Rocky VI'
Los Angeles, CA) Sylvester Stallone will reprise his role as boxer Rocky Balboa in the sixth segment of the long-running film series; Stallone will write and direct the next film.
"In many ways, the screenplay really took me back to the original 'Rocky,' " Revolution Studios founder Joe Roth said in a statement. "As a past champion, Rocky Balboa is once again a regular guy who has to fight his HMO to get his Viagara covered, and who faces insurmountable deductibles in his quest for a healthy sex life."
Stallone said that the screen persona and his own life are mirrored in many ways.
"Yeah, I had some problems like that," he said. "ED is a hidden shame for many men, and I hope that the new Rocky picture will make more men see their family physicians."
Stallone said that there are many riveting scenes in the new film that will resonate with viewers.
"At one point Rocky is on perpetual hold with his insurer, and he's ready to give up," he said. "Then Paulie comes in and tells him: 'You're better than those bums at Blue Cross,' and Rocky goes on to a climactic duel with an accounts payable clerk. It's a beautiful thing, this new movie."