Drago Spinoff Confirmed — Without the Italian Stallion
Back in 2021, Dolph Lundgren teased a Drago spinoff in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, saying: “I think there’s some talk about doing a whole spinoff on Drago with MGM, so you may get more of that.”
Now it’s official: MGM has tapped screenwriter Robert Lawton to write the script. “I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” Lawton said, “and I’m approaching it as an enormous fan of the Rocky franchise, who happens to be a screenwriter.” As of this writing, the Drago project isn’t yet listed on Lawton’s IMDB profile, but the buzz is already strong.
Sly didn’t stay quiet: “Once again picking clean the bones of another wonderful character I created without even telling me. I apologize to all the fans, I never wanted Rocky characters to be exploited by these parasites.”
Sly Slams the Move: “Parasites” and “Bloodsuckers”
Stallone went scorched earth. In a string of posts, he called out 91-year-old producer Irwin Winkler and his family for controlling the rights to Rocky and everything tied to it—including its spinoffs.
“So many artists in every industry—recording, painting, writing, you name it—have been destroyed by these blood suckers who have destroyed so many families, lining their pockets with other people[’s] work,” Sly wrote. It was raw, unfiltered Stallone, and fans could feel the frustration pouring off the screen.
Who Are Ivan and Viktor Drago — And Do Fans Want More?
Let’s rewind for a second. Ivan Drago isn’t just some random villain—he’s the cold-blooded Soviet powerhouse who killed Apollo Creed in Rocky IV, sending Rocky on a mission of revenge and redemption. Drago became one of the most iconic foes in cinema, not just for his punching power, but for what he represented: a soulless machine built by the state, standing opposite Rocky’s heart and grit.
Fast forward to Creed II, and we meet Viktor Drago—his son, a hulking beast with a chip on his shoulder the size of Siberia. Their father-son dynamic added surprising depth to what was once a one-note villain. But even with that emotional layering, there’s still debate in the fanbase: do we really need a Drago spinoff?
Some fans are curious. Others feel like it’s just a cash grab—especially with Stallone completely sidelined. While the Dragos have power, backstory, and raw drama, it’s tough to imagine this spinoff landing with real heart if the guy who started it all isn’t even invited to the table.
Lundgren Steps In — Too Little, Too Late?
Trying to calm the storm, Dolph Lundgren jumped into the fray. On July 31, he posted: “Just to set the record straight regarding a possible Drago spinoff. There’s no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor. There was a press leak last week which was unfortunate. In touch with Mr. Balboa—just so all the fans can relax. There ya go.”
Stallone clearly wasn’t thrilled. In a now-deleted Instagram post, he expressed disappointment that Lundgren hadn’t clued him in on the project, especially given their long history. The message was clear: real loyalty matters, and Stallone felt blindsided.
Fans Fire Back — Petition for Stallone’s Control
The backlash didn’t end there. Superfan and Philly-based Rocky location scout “Captain Catholic” (Instagram: @sly.stallone.philadelphia)—one of the rare accounts Sly actually follows—launched a Change.org petition to return full creative control of the Rockyverse back to Stallone.
Among the first to sign? TV personality and longtime Rocky superfan Maria Menounos—best known for hosting shows like Extra and E! News, and for repping pop culture harder than most. It’s clear the fans aren’t just watching this drama unfold—they’re stepping into the ring for Sly.
What’s Next for the Rocky Franchise?
The Drago spinoff might be moving forward, but it’s stepping into heavy controversy. Whether it ends up being a knockout or a flop, the tension behind the scenes is something no real Rocky fan can ignore. One thing’s certain: when Stallone gets pushed, he usually punches back.
