Sylvester Stallone has shared intense details about the Sylvester Stallone near-fatal stunts that nearly cost him his life during the filming of some of his most famous movies. In a recent GQ interview, the seasoned actor reflected on several life-threatening moments, specifically highlighting the dangers he faced while working on the 1993 science fiction film, Demolition Man.
Danger Lurked Behind the Scenes of Demolition Man
While portraying the character John Spartan in Demolition Man, Stallone faced exceptionally hazardous stunts. Two incidents on set pushed him to the brink, as he revealed that both involved practical effects and unpredictable machinery.
“It was the two most dangerous stunts I’ve ever done,”
Stallone said, emphasizing the real risks of filming with mechanical props and practical sets. These behind-the-scenes challenges added to the tension and intensity that defined his role.
Close Call with a Faulty Mechanical Claw
During a pivotal scene, Stallone’s character is ensnared by a massive mechanical claw, a device operated using real hydraulics. According to Stallone,
“It was what we call a practical set,”
and the machinery posed genuine danger during filming. He described,
“Those things really worked. The hydraulics would go sideways, and the strength of those metal claws would tear you up.”
Stallone had to rely on his instincts and quick reflexes to avoid potentially deadly injuries during these moments with the unpredictable claw, highlighting the inherent risk actors face when working with physical effects.
Peril Inside an Impenetrable Cryogenic Tank
Another gripping moment occurred when Stallone was sealed inside a round plexiglass chamber to create the illusion of cryogenic freezing. The tank, designed for the film’s plot, was fortressed with material so strong that, as Stallone put it,
“you couldn’t break it with a sledgehammer.”
As the chamber filled with warm oil, he was acutely aware of the risk:
“There was danger of drowning if the amount reached past my nose,”
he said, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Additionally, Stallone added,
“And you can’t get out because the lid was bolted on,”
conveying just how dire the scenario could have become. After the take, he had the crew attempt to break the tank.
“They hit it 20 times and couldn’t crack it,”
he recalled, still amazed at the potential danger he narrowly escaped.
Previous Experiences with Life-Threatening Accidents
Stallone’s career has featured multiple brushes with disaster, not limited to Demolition Man. He referenced an infamous incident during the production of Rocky IV, when costar Dolph Lundgren accidentally punched him so severely it led to a medical emergency. The actor recounted:
“He hit me so hard he almost stopped my heart,”
and further revealed,
“Next thing I know, I’m on a low-altitude plane to the emergency room, and I’m in intensive care for four days.”
This recounts the risks that come with striving for realism in action scenes, highlighting the dedication Stallone brings to his craft even at personal cost.
Stallone’s Career Continues Despite Past Dangers
Despite these harrowing moments, Sylvester Stallone remains a prominent figure in film and television. He currently stars in Tulsa King on Paramount+, now in its third season, further proving his commitment to action-heavy roles. Moreover, a new biopic, I Play Rocky, which delves into the backstory of the original 1976 Rocky, is underway. Stallone’s willingness to face danger for his art has shaped his legacy, and his survival through these Sylvester Stallone near-fatal stunts continues to resonate with both fans and fellow actors, maintaining his celebrated status in Hollywood.
