Stallone denies ideology in his films: “I’m almost a political atheist”
The legendary action hero insists that his films were never intended as political weapons: “I saw Rambo, and he’s a Republican!”
Sylvester Stallone is a living Hollywood legend, the true action hero with permission from his former rival and now colleague Arnold Schwarzenegger. An actor who knew how to overcome adversity and become a true star of the medium thanks to his two most famous roles: Rocky and Rambo. Both characters are American icons in fiction, two authentic icons that went far beyond their own films and had a profound impact on the United States. However, many believe that Sly imbued their personalities with too much political baggage, something the actor has denied on several occasions.
The political side of Rocky and Rambo
Since the beginning of the Rambo saga, audiences have perceived the war veteran as a symbol of American freedom in the face of Cold War threats, with Vietnam, the Soviet Union, and the corrupt Burmese army as his main targets. That is why John Rambo has often been used as a patriotic icon, especially by more conservative politicians and thinkers. Even President Ronald Reagan directly referred to Rambo as a Republican, something that never amused Stallone.
In addition, many accuse Stallone of taking a decisive stance against communism in the Rocky saga, especially through the legendary rivalry between Rocky and Ivan Drago, with its more than obvious iconography. That is why Sylvester Stallone himself insists that he never wanted to give his characters or his films a political tone: “I’m almost a political atheist,” said Sly.
“[Rambo] was never supposed to be, by any means, a political statement. It became one. ... I don’t think I’m smart enough. That’s not my strength. I’m almost a political atheist. I’m not a political animal and I never wanted to be. I just thought, this is an interesting story about alienation,“ the actor continues to explain. ”But oh my God, once I saw Rambo, and he’s a Republican!’” Stallone declared, dropping the microphone and putting his hands to his head in feigned disbelief, to everyone’s laughter.
The character of Rocky Balboa, meanwhile, was also targeted by those who accused Stallone of promoting conservative ideologies through his characters. It is nothing new that Rocky has always expressed his patriotism through very bombastic iconography, reaching the fourth installment of the saga with the leitmotif of the United States knocking out the communism of the Soviet Union and the Cold War represented by Ivan Drago, Rocky’s Russian rival.
Related stories
“He’s not a political animal. Boxers just use the flag of their nation. They’re not saying, ‘We’re better than you,’” says Stallone. The famous actor even claimed that he wasn’t even the first choice to play Rambo, curiously saying, “Nobody wanted me to do Rambo. I was the 11th choice,“ says the Hollywood star, not without recalling that John Rambo represents ”a man against himself and against the system.”
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!