Sly as "The Wrestler"

Darren Aronofsky, director of the critically acclaimed "The Wrestler" is quoted as saying that Mickey Rourke was not his first choice for the starring role. In fact, Sylvester Stallone was one of his first choices. Aronofsky said, "I was thinking it'd be interesting to see him go back to the ring in some way because he's so good in the ring. Then he did 'Rocky Balboa,' the latest 'Rocky,' and it kinda ruled it out for me because it was about an older guy going back to the ring. There were enough connections there that I didn't want to go near it." You can read the full article here.

While it would have been very cool to see Sly in "The Wrestler," I think that the path he is on now is better. Sly is back to writing, directing and starring in his own projects. Plus, it allowed Mickey Rourke another opportunity to shine. This way fans get to see two actors doing what they do best! - Craig

Sly and Beckham

The Sun.co.uk posted a much larger version of the photo above of Sly and David Beckham as well as a few others of celebs in attendance at the Ricky Hatton fight. You can see them by clicking here and then going to to the slide show. - Craig

Sly, Statham and Beckham

Sly, Jason Statham and David Beckham were ringside when Ricky Hatton recently defended his title. You can see a larger version of the photo above as well as several others here at the DailyMail.Co.UK. - Craig

Sly Makes Dolph Expendable

Sly Stallone recently attended the premiere of "Transporter 3" which stars his "Expendables" co-star Jason Statham. During his brief interview on the red carpet Sly announced that Dolph Lundgren had been signed to join the cast of "The Expendables."

So now we have Stallone, Statham, Li and Lundgren. I say, let's go all out and get Kurt Russell, Danny Trejo, and Mickey Rourke to round out the cast. Hey, I can dream, can't I? - Craig

Sage Stallone and Sam Raimi

Metro.co.uk quotes Sam ["Spider-Man" "Evil Dead"] Raimi as saying that his new horror movie, "Drag Me to Hell" is his scariest ever. Sage Stallone co-stars. More news will be posted as it becomes available. - Craig

On the Set of 1st Blood

Herve Attia is back with his third and final installment of "On the Set of First Blood." We first learned about Herve's work here. At that time, I posted that I hoped we see more from him and now we can by clicking here. - Craig

SZ Discount @ Hollywood Collectibles

Mark, from the Hollywood Collectibles Group recently dropped an e-mail to give SZoners an update on their Rambo II Sylvester Stallone Signature Knife. The museum quality replica knife was officially authorized by Sly, features an authentic reproduction of his signature, and is a strictly limited edition of just 10,000 individually numbered pieces worldwide. Mark also provided SZoners with the following 10% dicount code: R2SLY [all uppercase]. You can read more about the piece here.

Thanks to Mark for the StalloneZone discount! - Craig

Rocky Statue Special!

Hey SZoners!

The holidays are quickly approaching and I wanted to remind everyone that Rocky sculptures are still available through A. Thomas Schomberg studios. These statues were created by Mr. Schomberg [who created the original Rocky sculpture seen in the Rocky movies] in collaboration with Sylvester Stallone and MGM studios. Here's my interview with Mr. Schomberg. [part two of the interview is here] for the SZ.

Mr. Schomberg and his lovely wife, Cynthia, are offering the following discounts for statues purchased between November 26th, 2008 to January 7th, 2009:

20" ROCKY - Bronze Plated - $468 reduced to $395 plus free shipping in the US!
12" ROCKY - Resin and Hand Painted - $98 reduced to $89 plus free shipping in the US!

Limited Supply Available - International orders please inquire as to shipping costs.

Remember, if you've purchases a statue, I'd love to post a picture of you with it! - Craig

Film, Fashion & Art Fest

LosAngelesItalia.com has a bunch of photos of celebs who attended their Film, Fashion and Art Fest. There are five shots of Sly, including the one above, as well as many others famous folks. You can see them all here. - Craig

Sly @ "Transporter 3" Premiere

Sly attended the premiere of "Transporter 3" and Zimbio.com has photos, like the one above, taken at the event. You can see them here. - Craig

Statham Praises Sly

Shawn Adler at the MTV Movie Blog caught up with Jason Statham long enough to ask a few questions about "The Expendables." Although Statham couldn't talk too much about the script he did say this: “Sly is someone I grew up watching on TV and on the movies. He’s a living legend. He’s one of the biggest action stars that Hollywood’s ever seen, the whole world’s ever seen. And so the chance for me to come all these years later and be working alongside Sly is just one of those like pinch-yourself moments... Rest assured... it’s going to be a kickass film.” You can read the full report here. - Craig

Sly Checks Out the Lakers

Actor Sylvester Stallone watches the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Sly's Russian Vodka Ad

Here is a link to the video of Sly's Russian vodka ad and it's pretty cool. - Craig

Sly Was Right

Sly was correct with his prediction that Joe Calzaghe would beat Roy Jones Jr.

Calzaghe overcame an early knockdown to win 118 - 109 on all three judges' cards. You can get the full report here. - Craig

Sly Thinks Whitaker Expendable

Sly announced at the American Film Market convention that he hopes to get Academy Award winner, Forrest Whitaker, for the role of a "devious CIA agent" in his next film "The Expendables." Sly already has Jason Statham and Jet Li on board and told the crowd: "Whereas the 'Oceans 11' films were an ensemble for good looking guys, this is an ensemble for ugly tough guys." [If only Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin were alive and in their prime!
- Craig]

You can read the full report here.

"Expendables" Teaser

ComingSoon.net scored a first look at "The Expendables" teaser poster currently on display at the American Film Market convention. You can see a Godzilla-sized version here.

Sly is Expendable

Great news! Sly is set to write, direct and star along side Jason Statham in "The Expendables" for Nu Image/Millennium Films [the same company that released the latest Rambo movie].

Jet Li is in final negotiations to join the cast. "The Expendables" begins filming in February and follows a team of mercenaries hired to overthrow a South American dictator. You can read the full report here.

Sly Teams with Arnold

On October 30th, Sly teamed up with Arnold Schwarzenegger for a fundraiser to raise money to help pass a redistricting amendment in California. You can read all about it here. - Craig

Sly Praises Calzaghe

Sly not only believes that Joe Calzaghe will beat Roy Jones Jr. next Saturday in Madison Square Garden, but that Calzaghe is one of the best fighters currently fighting, and that Calzaghe would have been a contender in any era. Strong praise indeed! You can read even more by clicking here. - Craig

Frank Stallone Interview

ProWrestling.net has a nice little interview with Frank Stallone. Frank talks about his time on "Hulk Hogan's Championship Wrestling," the odds of Frank and Sly teaming up for some pro wrestling, his time on "The Contender," and more. You can check out the interview here.

- Craig

Rambo Pumpkin

SZoner, Sherry sent us a picture of her pumpkin. Ya gotta love it! - Craig