AUSTIN, TEXAS: 'Rocky III' director Sylvester Stallone was accused of underpaying Hulk Hogan by Joe Rogan.
The iconic Sylvester Stallone, forever linked to his billion-dollar 'Rocky' franchise as its writer and star, is currently weathering a storm of public controversy.
His well-documented feud with the Rocky series' producers has been the subject of significant scrutiny. However, recent revelations from his 'Rocky III' co-star, Hulk Hogan, have thrown an unexpected curveball into the narrative.
Hulk Hogan's recent appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast set the stage for a startling revelation. Hogan made bold claims that caught the attention of both the podcast's host, Joe Rogan, and the wider public.
In the wake of these explosive statements, Joe Rogan did not mince words, dubbing Sylvester Stallone a thief.
Sylvester Stallone is accused of 'stealing' by Joe Rogan
Hulk Hogan left an indelible mark with his unforgettable portrayal of Thunderlips in the action-packed film, 'Rocky III'.
Cast as a professional wrestler, Hogan engaged in an iconic charity exhibition match against the film's lead character, Rocky Balboa, creating a moment that resonated with audiences and propelled Hogan to fame in both the realms of entertainment and professional wrestling.
Despite his significant contributions to wrestling and his influential role in 'Rocky III', Hogan's journey took an unexpected turn when he found himself released from WWF (World Wrestling Federation).
However, what further complicates this story is the revelation that Hogan was allegedly underpaid for his pivotal role in the film.
During an appearance on Joe Rogan's widely followed 'JRE' podcast, Hogan recounted the negotiation process for his involvement in the film.
He disclosed, “So he goes I want you for the film and I’ve never had an agent, I’ve never been in a movie, I don’t know anything. He goes ‘I’ll give you ten thousand dollars to do sylvesthe film’. Me being the negotiation genius that I am, ‘I want 15 grand’. So he gave me 14,000 and I signed whatever.”
Upon hearing this revelation, Joe Rogan was taken aback and exclaimed, “Oh my God! He bargained with you. What the f*ck Sly, you stealing.” Was Sylvester Stallone stealing from Hulk Hogan?
As Hulk Hogan stood at the brink of superstardom in the wrestling world, his reported earnings of just $14,000 for a minor role in 'Rocky III' have left many questioning the fairness of his compensation.
The film itself was a blockbuster, raking in over $270 million in global box office revenue. In stark contrast, Sylvester Stallone, who starred in the film and also held undisclosed back-end earnings, amassed well over $120,000 from the project.
This stark contrast in earnings becomes even more striking when we consider Hogan's compensation for his other entertainment endeavors.
Hogan reportedly received a substantial sum, exceeding a million dollars, for his lead role in the movie 'No Holds Barred'.
Additionally, his average salary in subsequent roles, including projects like 'Suburban Commando', 'Mr Nanny', and 'Walker, Texas Ranger', was reportedly well over a million dollars.
While it's true that Hulk Hogan was relatively unknown when he made his cameo appearance in Sylvester Stallone's 'Rocky III', it's essential to consider that his role was minor.
However, the debate surrounding Hogan's compensation suggests that he may have been underpaid for his contribution, implying that Sylvester Stallone potentially did not compensate the wrestling champion fairly for his involvement.