Sylvester “Sly” Stalloneis a true symbol of success. He is one of only two actors in Hollywood history (alongside Harrison Ford) to have starred in a box-office number-one film across six consecutive decades, and, today, he remains globally recognized as one of the greatest action stars. However, he is more than just a puncher and shooter. Stallone has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, earning himself three Oscar nominations (a feat that archetypal action stars rarely achieve).
Even though many actors of Sylvester Stallone’s caliber have avoidedsuperheromovies for not being “cinema” enough, theRockyandRambostar has fully embraced the genre. The actor has starred in five comic book movies over the years, three of these being James Gunn films. The two are good friends, so Stallone is always happy to show up whenever Gunn needs him.
But how good are Sylvester Stallone’s performances in superhero movies? Here is how dedicated and inspired he was in each role.
5Judge Dredd
‘Judge Dredd’ (1995)
Based on the2000 ADComicscharacter of the same name,Judge Dreddstars Sylvester Stallone as the fastidious law enforcement officer in the crime-ridden futuristic metropolis of Mega-City One. The setting is the 22nd century, and,following a disaster that turned Earth into a wasteland, the survivors establish a corps of “Judges” who are police, judges, juries, and executioners, all rolled into one.
Stallone Was Arguably not the Best Person for the Role
Judge Dredd
Short on themes, and heavy on action,Judge Dreddwas a perfect film for Stallone, who, in the ‘90s,was still in his prime as an action star. However, his performance here leaves a little to be desired, partly becausehe was not passionate about the source material.
According to writer Peter Briggs— who was supposed to work on the 1995 film but went on to direct the more critically acclaimed 2012Dreddstarring Karl Urban — Stallonehad never heard of the superherowhen he was cast. Additionally,Arnold Schwarzenegger was the first actor considered for the role, but he passed on it because he figured it would be too similar to Terminator. He was right, and, by succumbing to his desire to have his own Terminator, Stallone made the wrong move.
The film is generallylet down by a poor script too.Fans were generally unhappy with Dredd’s characterization, especially the fact thathe takes off his mask(perhaps to remind everyone that it’s Stallone in there), yet the lawman never does such a thing in the comics.
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4Stakar Ogord
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
Times are seemingly happier inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but when ghosts from the past intrude, the future of the titular superhero team seems fragile and uncertain. The chaos begins when Rocket Racoon is attacked and injured by Adam Warlock. The Guardians then realize thatRocket’s creator, the High Evolutionary (Iwuji), is on a mission to harm him and possibly destroy the team for good, so they work around the clock to stop him. In the film, Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as Stakar Orgord, a high-ranking member of the Ravagers (interstellar criminals).
There Isn’t Enough of Stallone in Guardians 3
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
For most of his career, Stallone has been a leading man, so Stakar Ogord offered a new challenge (his character isn’t the main focus). James Gunn revealed thathe was reluctant to cast himforGuardians 2, as he figured he’d never forgive himself for putting a friend in a position where they wouldn’t be able to showcase their talents perfectly.
Thankfully, things worked out fine. Stallone has been great throughout his MCU run, though his character is forgettable inGuardians 3because he doesn’t have much to do. Stakar’s only responsibility in the third film is aiding the Guardians to infiltrate the Orgoscope space station during their search for a passkey that can disable the kill switch in Rocket’s heart.
3King Shark
Afterthe disaster that was David Ayer’sSuicide Squad, James Gunn was hired to make something better and he did.The Suicide Squadwas so good that it helped Gunn land a job as the new head of DC. In it, several incarcerated DC villains aretasked with undertaking a dangerous mission in the South American island nation of Corto Maltese in exchange for lighter sentences.One of the villains is King Shark, a man-eating human-shark hybrid voiced by Stallone.
Another Role That Stallone Was Born For
The Suicide Squad
Even with state-of-the-art visual effects serving as a perfect distraction, Gunn’s film prospers mainly on the fundamentals of story and characterization. Brusque pacing and rousing action sequences are complemented by tongue-in-cheek humor, and fun performances by all the actors, specifically John Cena and Sylvester Stallone.
Because he doesn’t need to show his face, Stallone is freer here, letting his goofy side loose with great results. Everything also worked out because Gunn wrote the role specifically for him.
2Stakar Ogord
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2finds Peter Quill on a mission to trace his true heritage. This all happens afterthe galactic defenders meet Ego, a celestial being claiming to be Quill’s real father.Is he to be trusted? Especially when the comics have a different character as the protagonist’s parent? Here, Stallone also plays Stakar, a criminal with a conscience.
Stallone Has a Couple of Moving Scenes
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Vol. 2is pure fun. This cheeky, kinetic galaxy ride is an irresistible marriage of cartoonish action sequences with actual, I-cannot-believe-what-I-just-witnessed physical feats. AndSly is much better here than he is in the third installment.You’ll appreciate the father-son arc that his character has with Yondu (the Centaurian leader of an exiled faction of the Ravagers and the adoptive father of Peter Quill). And their tense confrontation in the film wouldn’t have worked if Sly wasn’t one of the most gifted actors to walk the earth.
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1Samaritan
‘Samaritan’ (2022)
Samaritanis Prime Video’sonly original superhero movie, and even though critics were divided about it, Sylvester Stallone gives his best genre performance in it. Produced by the actor himself under the Balboa Productions banner, the film revolves arounda gang-affiliated child who starts suspecting that his reclusive neighbor is the long-forgotten superhero known as Samaritan. He is soon proven right.
Sylvester Stallone Thrives in a Relatable Superhero Story
Here, director Julius Avery creates a breathless, dazzling piece of cinema. Part crime drama, part superhero thriller,Samaritanis a rapturous, non-modish picture with a long thread of serpentine subplots involving lackeys, blue-collar workers, and caring parents. Most importantly,events are more grounded. While Marvel and DC films tend to push the cinematic experience closer to the heights of an amusement park ride, this filmmostly relies on great dialogue and character development.
It helps that Stallone is playing a father figure once again, as he has proven to be excellent in such roles. The dynamics will remind you ofCreed, and leave you wanting a sequel. Whether you’re a superhero fan or not, this propulsive story of crime and urban decay will impress you and make you contemplate.
