Is Rocky Dead? The Truth About the Boxing Legends Fate

Publish date: 2024-04-09

Rocky Balboa is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in cinema history. The fictional boxer, created and portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, has inspired millions of fans with his underdog story, his determination, and his heart. He has also faced many challenges and tragedies in his life, both inside and outside the ring. But is Rocky dead? The answer is not so simple, as the Rocky film series has gone through different versions and timelines. In this article, we will explore the possible scenarios and evidence that could answer this question.

Rocky’s Death and Revival in Rocky V

According to World Boxing News, the original script for Rocky V, released in 1990, had a shocking and controversial ending. After his famous fight with Tommy Gunn, played by former world heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, Rocky passed away. He suffered from brain damage confirmed early in the movie, which remained in the film. Rocky had ringing in his ears from the irreversible [but later reversed in Rocky Balboa – 2006] ailment

However, this ending was changed after negative reactions from test audiences and Stallone himself, who felt that it was too depressing and disrespectful to the character. Instead, the final version of the film showed Rocky surviving the fight and reconciling with his son, Robert Jr., played by Stallone’s real son, Sage. Rocky also regained his fortune and dignity, and returned to his old neighborhood with his wife, Adrian, played by Talia Shire

Rocky’s Loss and Comeback in Rocky Balboa

In 2006, Stallone revived the Rocky franchise with Rocky Balboa, the sixth installment of the series. The film showed Rocky as a widower, as Adrian had died of ovarian cancer in 2002. Rocky was also estranged from his son, who felt overshadowed by his father’s legacy. Rocky ran a restaurant named after Adrian, where he told stories of his past glory to his customers. He also befriended a young woman named Marie, played by Geraldine Hughes, who was the same girl he walked home in the first film

Rocky decided to return to the ring for one last fight, after a computer simulation showed that he could beat the current champion, Mason Dixon, played by Antonio Tarver. Despite his age and health issues, Rocky trained hard and proved himself to be a worthy opponent. He lost the fight by a close split decision, but he won the respect and admiration of the crowd and his son. He also found a new love interest in Marie, and a new family in her and her son, Steps

Rocky’s Legacy and Future in Creed

In 2015, the Rocky saga continued with Creed, a spin-off and sequel that focused on Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, the son of Rocky’s former rival and friend, Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers. Adonis was the result of an affair that Apollo had shortly before he died in the ring against Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren, in Rocky IV. Adonis grew up in foster homes and juvenile detention centers, until he was adopted by Apollo’s widow, Mary Anne, played by Phylicia Rashad. Adonis became a successful businessman, but he also pursued a career in boxing, following his father’s footsteps

Adonis sought out Rocky as his trainer and mentor, and moved to Philadelphia to train with him. Rocky initially refused, but he eventually agreed to help Adonis, who he saw as a surrogate son. Rocky also revealed that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that Adrian had died from. He refused to undergo chemotherapy, feeling that he had nothing left to live for. However, Adonis convinced him to fight the disease, as he needed him in his corner. Rocky agreed, and together they faced Adonis’ rival, Ricky Conlan, played by Tony Bellew, the undefeated light heavyweight champion. Adonis lost the fight by a close split decision, but he won the respect and admiration of the crowd and Rocky. He also found a new love interest in Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson, a singer and songwriter who suffered from progressive hearing loss

In 2018, the Rocky saga continued with Creed II, a sequel that brought back Ivan Drago and his son, Viktor, played by Florian Munteanu, as the antagonists. Ivan had been disgraced and abandoned by his wife, Ludmilla, played by Brigitte Nielsen, and his country, after losing to Rocky in Rocky IV. He trained his son to be a ruthless fighter, and challenged Adonis to avenge his father’s death. Adonis accepted, despite Rocky’s warnings, and faced Viktor in a brutal match that left him severely injured and stripped of his title. Rocky also reunited with his son, Robert Jr., played by Milo Ventimiglia, and met his grandson, Logan. He apologized for neglecting him, and they reconciled

Rocky helped Adonis recover from his injuries and his doubts, and trained him for a rematch with Viktor. He also encouraged him to propose to Bianca, who was pregnant with their daughter, Amara. Adonis won the rematch by a technical knockout, after Ivan threw in the towel to save his son from further harm. He also regained his title and his confidence, and became a father to Amara, who inherited Bianca’s hearing condition. Rocky decided to retire from boxing, and passed on his legacy to Adonis. He also visited his son and grandson, and told them that he would stay in touch

Is Rocky Dead in Creed III?

In 2023, the Rocky saga continued with Creed III, a sequel that focused on Adonis’ challenges as a world champion, a husband, and a father. The film also featured the return of Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T, as the mentor of a new rival for Adonis, Jamar Lang, played by Jonathan Majors. Jamar was the son of Clubber, who had been defeated by Rocky in Rocky III. Jamar was a formidable fighter, who had a personal grudge against Adonis and his family

The current whereabouts of Rocky Balboa are never fully addressed in Creed III, but he certainly doesn’t seem to have been killed off. He is briefly mentioned in conversation when Adonis references his iconic showdown with his father, Apollo Creed, but there is nothing in this exchange to suggest that the Italian Stallion is no longer alive. However, he is also noticeably absent from the film, as he does not appear in any scene or flashbacks. He does not train Adonis for his fight with Jamar, nor does he attend the fight or visit him afterwards. He also does not contact Adonis or his family, or send them any messages or gifts

The reason for Rocky’s absence is explained by Sylvester Stallone, who announced in 2021 that he would not reprise his role as Rocky in Creed III. He said that he had “nothing more to offer” the franchise, and that he wanted to let it go and move on to other projects. He also said that he was proud of his work as Rocky, and that he wished the best for the Creed team. He said that he had “a great run” and that he was “very happy” with the outcome

Therefore, it is possible that Rocky is still alive, but he has decided to stay away from boxing and live a quiet life with his son and grandson. He may have also moved to another place, or traveled to another country, as he had expressed his desire to do so in Creed II. He may have also respected Adonis’ wish to stand on his own, and not interfere with his career or his family. He may have also felt that he had nothing more to teach Adonis, and that he had passed on his legacy to him. He may have also wanted to avoid any confrontation with Clubber Lang, who had humiliated him in the past

However, it is also possible that Rocky is dead, but his death is not revealed or confirmed in Creed III. He may have died from natural causes, or from a recurrence of his cancer, or from another illness or injury. He may have also died from a violent incident, such as a robbery or a car accident, or from a suicide, as he had shown signs of depression and suicidal thoughts in previous films. He may have also died from a heart attack, as he had suffered from one in Rocky Balboa. His death may have been kept secret from Adonis and his family, or they may have chosen not to talk about it or mourn it publicly.

Conclusion

Rocky Balboa is not dead, but his fate is uncertain and ambiguous. He may be alive and well, or he may be dead and gone. He may be happy and peaceful, or he may be sad and lonely. He may be in touch with his loved ones, or he may be estranged from them. He may be remembered and honored, or he may be forgotten and dishonored. The answer lies in the future of the Rocky film series, which may or may not reveal the truth about the boxing legend’s fate.