The True Story Behind Rocky IV (1985) : A Fight That Nearly Took Sylvester Stallone’s Life

The making of Rocky IV was as intense and brutal off-screen as it was on-screen — and, in many ways, it almost cost Sylvester Stallone his life.

To make the iconic fight between Rocky Balboa and Ivan Drago as realistic as possible, Stallone insisted on something no one expected: real punches. He turned to his co-star Dolph Lundgren and said, “Let’s hit for real.” Lundgren, known for his towering presence, agreed, and the two men began throwing legitimate punches during the fight scenes.

After a few real blows, Stallone began feeling sharp pain in his chest, but like a true professional, he kept on filming. That night, the pain worsened, and Stallone found himself unable to breathe. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered the frightening truth — his heart had slammed against his breastbone, causing swelling that obstructed blood flow. Stallone was placed in intensive care for four days.

When the insurance company questioned whether Stallone’s injury was genuine, Stallone’s response was both quick and memorable: “Have you seen Dolph Lundgren? He’s a truck, not a man!”

Lundgren had been a force to be reckoned with throughout the film’s production. He fought hard for the role of Ivan Drago, training for six months and gaining 20 pounds of muscle to embody the cold, menacing boxer. His Drago quickly became a cultural icon — terrifying audiences and cementing Lundgren’s place in Hollywood history.

But the tension didn’t end there. During one particular scene, Lundgren’s physicality got the best of him. He threw Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed) too hard during a fight, causing Weathers to storm off the set in frustration. It was Stallone who had to step in and make peace, ensuring that the production continued smoothly.

Years later, Stallone would reflect on the entire experience, realizing the true cost of the film’s glory — “We wanted to show the price of glory,” he admitted, “I just didn’t think I’d pay it in the hospital.”

The making of Rocky IV stands as a testament to the physical and emotional dedication of everyone involved, with Stallone and Lundgren pushing themselves — and each other — to the limits in the pursuit of cinematic excellence. Their commitment to realism made the film unforgettable, but it nearly came at the ultimate cost.