The Life of Hollywood Action Hero Sylvester Stallone

After the enormous success of Rocky, Stallone returned to write, direct, and star in Rocky II. The sequel picked up after Rocky Balboa’s loss to Apollo Creed and followed him as he tried to build a life outside the ring.

The film proved that Rocky was not just a one-time underdog story. Stallone also gained more creative control, showing that he could guide the character from behind the camera as well as onscreen. But the franchise was about to become much bigger, louder, and more commercial.