Full Breakdown
Dolph Lundgren Reflects on Sylvester Stallone's Injury During "Rocky IV"
11/27/2025, 3:08:00 AM
Behind the Scenes of "Rocky IV"
Dolph Lundgren recently revisited a significant moment from the filming of "Rocky IV," where he inadvertently injured co-star Sylvester Stallone during a fight scene. Lundgren, who portrayed the character Ivan Drago, expressed his feelings of guilt over the incident, which resulted in Stallone being hospitalized. During an interview on "FOX & Friends," Lundgren recounted the moment he learned of Stallone's injury, stating, "I didn’t know it happened... the producer called and said, ‘Hey, Dolph, you got two weeks off.’ I said, ‘That’s great, what’s going on?’ ‘Sly’s in the hospital.’ I found out that way."
The Fight Scene Dynamics
The injury occurred during a particularly intense sequence that was filmed over two weeks in Vancouver. Lundgren explained the physicality of their fight, noting, "I did feel a little guilty, you know, he hit me too. He was the boss, I did what he told me, which was good." He acknowledged the possibility that exhaustion or the force of his punches contributed to Stallone's injury, saying, "I don’t know if it was my body or exhaustion or my punches, I don’t know, but he did get hurt. I’m sorry about that."
Lundgren's Career Journey
Before his rise to fame, Lundgren had a background in academics, having been a Fulbright Scholar studying at MIT. His transition to acting began with a chance encounter in New York, where he met influential figures in the entertainment industry. Lundgren reflected on this pivotal moment, stating, "I moved to Hollywood, I met Sly, and got that part and the rest was history." Since then, he has appeared in nearly 100 films, with "Rocky IV" marking a significant turning point in his career.
Revisiting Ivan Drago
Lundgren's portrayal of Ivan Drago has remained a defining role in his career. He expressed particular fondness for revisiting the character in "Creed II," where he explored a father-son dynamic with his on-screen son, Viktor Drago. "I like ‘Creed II’ actually," Lundgren remarked, highlighting the depth added to his character in the sequel.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to his acting career, Lundgren has ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of his vodka brand, Hard Cut Vodka. Inspired by his dissatisfaction with existing products, he embarked on this journey at the suggestion of his wife, leveraging his background as a chemical engineer. "Five years back, I couldn’t find a vodka I liked, so my wife said, ‘You should make your own,’" he explained.
Official Statements & Responses
Lundgren's reflections on the injury and his career illustrate a blend of nostalgia and personal growth. His candid admission of guilt regarding Stallone's injury underscores the physical demands of action filmmaking, while his entrepreneurial pursuits demonstrate his adaptability beyond acting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t know it happened, we were both getting hit in that fight,” — Dolph Lundgren, Actor
- “I did feel a little guilty, you know, he hit me too.” — Dolph Lundgren, Actor
- “I got a chance to play that character again — an older version, kind of a father-son relationship. I like that one.” — Dolph Lundgren, Actor
- “Five years back, I couldn’t find a vodka I liked, so my wife said, ‘You should make your own — you’re a chemical engineer.” — Dolph Lundgren, Actor
