Dolph Lundgren says 'Rocky' fans 'can relax' after Stallone slams 'Drago' spin-off: 'We're in touch'

Dolph Lundgren has taken to social media to "set the record straight" regarding the recent controversy engulfing the "Rocky" franchise. Variety reported on July 28 that MGM was developing a "Drago" spin-off movie starring screenwriter Robert Lawton, an announcement that was later condemned by "Rocky" franchise creator and actor Sylvester Stallone. Lundgren told "Rocky" fans to relax after Stallone spoke out against the film, and he confirmed that he was now in touch with Stallone about the potential spinoff after assuming Stallone would automatically be involved. /p>

"Just to set the record straight regarding a potential 'Drago' spin-off. There is no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I personally had the felt like my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor," Lundgren wrote. "There was a leak in the press last week which is unfortunate. In touch with Mr. Balboa – just so all the fans can relax… There you go. »

Plot details on a "Drago" spin-off haven't been revealed, so it wasn't clear when the project was announced if Lundgren, who debuted as Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV," or Florian Munteanu, who played Drago's son, Viktor, in "Creed II," would reprise their roles.

“I APOLOGIZE to the FANS, I never intended for the ROCKY characters to be exploited by these pests,” Stallone wrote of the spin-off film. "By the way, I have nothing but respect for Dolph but I wish HE had told me what was going on behind my back. Keep your REAL friends close."

It wasn't the first time in July that Stallone had talked about the "Rocky" franchise. He previously condemned producer Irwin Winkler for not giving him control of the show, writing, "After Irwin controlled 'Rocky' for over 47 years, and now 'Creed', I really wish I had at least a little [of] what is left of my rights, before passing it on to your only children."

As for the movie "Drago," Lawton was hired as a screenwriter after impressing MGM executives with his "Becoming Rocky" screenplay, on the making of the first "Rocky" movie.

"I am incredibly humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and I approach it as a huge fan of the 'Rocky' franchise, who happens to be a screenwriter," Lawton said in a statement to Variety .

Ahead of the "Drago" spin-off, the Michael B. Jordan-directed "Creed III" movie will hit theaters on March 3, 2023.

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