Saturday, February 3, 2024

Carl Weathers 'Rocky' Star Dies at 76

ROCKY 2 distributed by UNITED ARTISTS (1979). It starred Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa) and Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed) in a sequel to the widely popular "Rocky" (1976). Critics at the time said sequels never reach the success of the original. "Rocky 2" equaled the original with popularity and box office stature.

The production budget was a mere $7 million. It climbed to a massive $200 million at the worldwide box office.

The story focused on the heavy-weight boxing rematch between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. Creed won their first match in the first movie, "Rocky."

"Rocky 2" had a rousing finale that had film audiences jumping in the theater aisles. It was an exciting cinematic experience. That excitement is still there on DVD and Blu-Ray 2024.

Carl Weathers portrayed Apollo Creed like the real heavy-weight boxing champ Muhammed Ali. Apollo was a "Star" with power, strength and charisma. He earned every ounce of his championship title. Weathers appeared in 3 "Rocky" films whose presence endures. 

His son continues with his legacy in 3 recent "Creed" films. He was trained by Rocky too.

RIP... Carl Weathers. You will be missed.

1979 Publicity posters.

1979 movie finale scene. It made film audiences jump up from their seats. "Get up. Get up.!!"

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