Bill Pruitt Checks In

SZoner, Bill Pruitt checked in with the photo above and some words about it:

Hi Craig, Here is a photo of how my studio looked while working on my Rocky Balboa spiritual painting about a year and a half ago. You can see the pile of references I used on the left and another pile of references on the floor on right. At least 125 different photo references were used for extreme accuracy and to make it a very original image. - Bill

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Thanks to Bill for sharing! - Craig

Sly, Druan and Mosley II

Actor Sylvester Stallone, center, poses with boxers Roberto Duran, left, and Shane Mosley before a Super Middleweight championship fight between Ricardo Mayorga and Fernando Vargas at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Friday, Nov. 23, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Sly, Duran and Mosley

From (L-R) former boxer Roberto Duran, actor Sylvester Stallone and boxer Shane Mosley pose ringside before the WBC super middleweight championship bout between Fernando Vargas against Ricardo Mayorga in Los Angeles November 23, 2007. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES)

The Stars Come Out

In this photo provided by Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, celebrities meet with Barbra Streisand following her private performance for the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Pictured, back row left to right, Sylvester Stallone, James Brolin, Tracey Edmonds, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Spacey, Ashton Kutcher. Front row left to right, Rhea Perman, Danny DeVito, Barbra Streisand, and Demi Moore. (AP Photo/Albert Ferreira, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino)

Punchy vs Butkus

SZoner, Paul Winter recently added another great piece to his Stallone collection. His buddy, the extremely talented Randy Martinez created this cool painting of Punchy [with Paul in his corner] stepping into the ring to go a few rounds with Butkus [cornered by Rocky].

Cool idea and great execution! Thanks to Paul for sharing it with us! - Craig

USA Today Scores 1st Look

USA Today scored the first look at the Rambo photo above and some words from Sly about the film. Here's some of what Sly had to say:

Rambo "realizes his entire existence has been for naught. Peace is an accident, war is natural. Old men start it, young men fight it, everybody in the middle dies, and nobody tells the truth. He says, 'You think God's going to make it all go away? What has he done and changed in the world? He has done nothing. We are an aggressive animal and will never be at peace.' That's how he feels."

For the full report click HERE. - Craig

Rocky Musical in Development

According to Playbill On-Line, the long discussed Rocky Musical is now in development. It will be based on the original Academy Award Winning movie written and starring Sylvester Stallone. Although Sly will not star in the musical, he has "given it his blessing."

Already attached to the project are Tony Award winner Meehan who will adapt the musical (he also took on the writing chores for the musicals Annie, The Producers and Young Frankenstein) along with the Tony Award-winning team of lyricist Lynn Ahrens and composer Stephen Flaherty.

Fans will be happy to know that "Gonna Fly Now," by Bill Conti, Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins [which was nominated for an Academy Award] - will be a part of the score! For complete details click HERE. - Craig

Frank Stallone a Surprise Hit

Frank Stallone a Surprise Hit in "Fred Claus"
Tuesday November 13, 2:11 pm ET

LOS ANGELES, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 13, 2007 -- Frank Stallone ("Barfly," "Tombstone") has been getting rave reviews for his appearance in the Christmas Hit "Fred Claus."

Stallone, a Grammy and Golden Globe-Nominated Artist, was asked last year to appear in the film as himself.

Stallone says, "At first I was a little leery because of the bad experience I had as a series regular on the TV sitcom 'Movie Stars' in which I played myself."

Frank goes on to say, "I had all but given up on the film business after almost 60 films. I wasn't getting any work and I couldn't find an agent and no one seemed to show any interest, so I rededicated myself to my music full time."

Stallone was nominated for Best Song for the Film "Staying Alive" and for best sound track for the same film.

Stallone was also highly considered for a Best Supporting Actor nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for his role as Eddie The Bartender in "Barfly."

Frank continues, "I must say working on 'Fred Claus' was a delightful experience. I wish all film sets were as joyful."

Sly @ Planet Hollywood Opening

Sylvester Stallone and Roger Clemens arrive at the grand opening of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Rocky, Bruce Lee, Tarzan and More

Here is an article about statues of pop icons such as Rocky Balboa, Bruce Lee, Tarzan and others are being erected across the war-torn Balkans. - Craig

Sly Stallone has a "Death Wish"

Hey SZoners!

Variety broke the big news of the day that Sylvester Stallone is in serious talks to direct and star in an updated version of "Death Wish."

Sly would take on the role made famous by Charles Bronson of an ordinary man who, after his wife and daughter are savagely attacked, becomes a vigilante. Michael Ferris and John Brancato, best known for their "Terminator 3" script are set to do the screenplay.

Although Paramount Pictures has an option to partner on the new "Death Wish," MGM plans to make the movie even if they have to go it alone and hope to get it started before March! MGM chief operating office, Rick Sands was quoted as saying, "We are looking at our library to determine which potential franchise properties make the most sense for us to produce, and 'Death Wish' was clearly one of that jumped out... We hope to get a deal done with Sylvester Stallone to direct and star, and like the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' films, we see this as another potential franchise for him."

This is great news for Stallone fans around the world! - Craig

Rocky Statue Contest

Hey SZoners!

I wanted to give you a heads-up on a contest that Schomberg Studios is going to run starting tomorrow and the prizes include free and discounted personalized Rocky Statues! Here are the details...

Win a ROCKY Sculpture Contest

All who purchase a 12" or a 20" ROCKY sculpture from November 5, 2007 until December 31, 2007 will be automatically entered into the contest plus all shipping costs on the 20” sculptures are free!

First Prize Winner

choice of a full refund of the sculpture they have purchased or a second free sculpture signed and personalized by the sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg

Second Prize Winner

choice of a 50% refund of the sculpture they have purchased or a 50% discount from a second sculpture signed and personalized by the sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg

Third Prize Winner

a 25% refund of the sculpture they have purchased or a 25% discount from a second sculpture signed and personalized by the sculptor, A. Thomas Schomberg plus all shipping costs on the 20” sculptures are free! The cast bronze limited edition sculptures are not included in the contest
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With the holidays quickly approaching, this contest couldn't come at a better time. Let family members know what you want now or consider the perfect gift for dad... heck, just buy one for yourself since you deserve it. Click HERE for ordering instructions.

Hopefully SZoners will take all three places! [And you know we'll post your pictures of you and your statue!]

Rocky Fan Art

SZoner, Gerardo Jemio from Chile, wrote in to say: "Your page is wonderful! I drew this Balboa all time fighter concept a couple of weeks ago, it is a natural size poster done with pencils, golden paint and inspiration, I hope you like it!"

Wow! What a nice piece of art! Thanks for sharing your talents with us, Gerardo. We hope to see more in the future. - Craig

New Stallone Fan Site

Jim Crater has started a new Sylvester Stallone site and he's off to a nice start. You can check it out by clicking HERE. - Craig

Sly and Fan

SZoner, Robert Federico from the London, wrote to say that he visits the SZ every week without fail and thinks its great. Robert is a huge Stallone fan and attached the picture taken on the set of "Rocky Balboa." Robert is also a collector of Rocky/Rambo lobby cards and plans to send in a picture of his collection. - Thanks to Robert for sharing! - Craig