Sylvester Stallone has disclosed that while filming the iconic “Rocky IV,” he endured severe physical impacts from co-star Dolph Lundgren, which necessitated a hospital visit. In a revealing documentary available on his YouTube channel, Stallone recounts the intense scenes with Lundgren, saying, “He pulverized me. I didn’t realize the severity initially, but later that night, I started feeling a sharp pain in my chest.”
Stallone likened the injury to the trauma one might experience when thrust against a car’s steering wheel during a crash. The situation escalated quickly, with Stallone recalling, “My blood pressure skyrocketed to 260. They thought I was close to death.”
The severity of his condition led to an emergency airlift from Canada to St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit and stayed for four days. Stallone humorously noted his unique company in the ICU, stating, “I’m in ICU, and the only other people here are nuns.” Despite the ordeal, he was determined to return to filming: “I had to get back into the ring and finish the fight.”
The powerful blow that Lundgren, portraying the formidable Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, delivered to Stallone’s chest was kept in the movie. Stallone himself questioned, “How could you possibly leave that out?”
“Rocky IV” continues the beloved saga of Rocky Balboa, with Stallone portraying the resilient boxer who rises to become the world champion. The film deepens his legend as he avenges the death of his friend Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers) by confronting Drago in the Soviet Union. This incident underscores the physical toll and intense dedication involved in bringing the dramatic fight scenes of “Rocky IV” to life.
