What if Arnold Schwarzenegger had portrayed Ivan Drago in the iconic 1985 film Rocky IV instead of Dolph Lundgren? A recent deepfake by brianmonarch invites viewers to envision an alternate version of this classic boxing movie.
In this deepfake experiment, a youthful Schwarzenegger’s face is seamlessly superimposed onto key scenes featuring Drago from Rocky IV. Schwarzenegger, now cast as Drago, makes his dramatic entrance into the boxing ring, sweat glistening, and blood trickling down his face, offering an intriguing glimpse into what could have been. The deepfake playfully ponders the “what if” scenario of Schwarzenegger assuming the role, all while acknowledging Lundgren’s “amazing” performance in the original.
The Unique Legacy of Rocky IV
Historically, Rocky IV has not been celebrated as one of the standout entries in the nine-film Rocky franchise (inclusive of the three Creed films). With a retrospective Rotten Tomatoes rating of 38% and a Metacritic score of 40 out of 100, the film didn’t fare well critically. Nonetheless, it has achieved cult status as an ’80s classic due to its extravagantly melodramatic storyline and action sequences. Notably, Sylvester Stallone recently released a new cut of the film, reigniting interest in it.
One can’t help but wonder if Rocky IV might have fared differently in the eyes of critics had Schwarzenegger, a fellow ’80s icon, been cast alongside Stallone. The film’s over-the-top narrative and the potential rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Stallone could have contributed to a more favorable reception.
However, it’s essential to recognize that Rocky IV played a pivotal role in the broader Rocky franchise. The plotline, particularly the harrowing death of Apollo Creed in the ring at the hands of Drago, profoundly impacted Rocky’s character arc and emotional journey throughout the film. Moreover, Apollo’s demise served as a catalyst for the Creed film series, where Rocky forms a connection with Apollo’s son, Adonis. Dolph Lundgren’s stoic portrayal of Drago has continued to resonate with audiences, and it’s worth noting that Schwarzenegger might not have reprised the role in the Creed sequel, as Lundgren did.
The Creed films, including Creed, Creed II, and Creed III, have garnered critical acclaim and have emerged as some of the franchise’s most well-received entries. The first Creed film enjoyed both commercial success and earned Stallone a Best Supporting Actor nomination, aligning its trajectory more closely with the original Rocky series. While the excessive and theatrical nature of Rocky IV may not have won over critics, it undeniably paved the way for the enduring success of the Rocky saga, even without the star power of Arnold Schwarzenegger.