Sylvester Stallone has consistently been open about his career blunders, often reflecting on some decisions that didn’t pan out as planned. He famously revealed how he got cajoled into starring in the ill-fated “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” mistakenly believing that his nemesis Arnold Schwarzenegger was coveting the role. But potentially more impactful than the comedic misstep was his refusal of a part in a Vietnam War film that initially came his way before his iconic portrayal of John Rambo.
Stallone turned down the lead in “Coming Home,” which eventually went to Jon Voight—winning him a Best Actor Oscar. This particular regret is nuanced, as it predated Stallone’s breakthrough in the action genre. His choice altered not just his career trajectory but arguably also his legacy in Hollywood.
The Unseen Path of “Coming Home”
“Coming Home” takes viewers back to 1968 California, focusing on Sally, a character played by Jane Fonda. Sally is left alone when her husband Bob, played by Bruce Dern, departs for Vietnam. The film poignantly captures her transformation as she volunteers at a VA hospital, meeting Luke Martin, a paraplegic Vietnam veteran. Stallone had the chance to portray Luke, a role enhanced by Voight’s exemplary performance. The movie itself, conceived by Fonda and heavily inspired by real-life anti-war sentiments, became a landmark representation of the emotional aftermath of war.
The inspiration behind the film came from Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran whose experiences formed the basis of the narrative. Fonda, at the peak of her career, realized this vision through her production company. Despite potential choices like Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson, the role eventually went to Voight after Stallone and others passed.
Stallone’s Reflections
In later reflections, Sylvester Stallone lamented his hesitation to embrace the film’s demanding role. In a 2012 interview, he confessed to Maclean’s Magazine how the film’s liberal angle and the paraplegic veteran role felt daunting at the time, raising introspective doubts about his ability to perform. He admitted, “Now, I think I should have done it. Usually, whenever you’re scared of something, do it. If you’re not afraid, don’t do it.”
Furthermore, Stallone shared with The Hollywood Reporter that, despite his regret, Voight’s casting ultimately fit the film’s narrative. His thoughts suggested a recognition of missed opportunity but also awareness of his own craft’s evolution, particularly post-“Rocky.” Acknowledging the range capable within himself, Stallone nonetheless navigated towards more physically demanding and high-octane roles which defined his career.
A Different Direction for Stallone
Had Sylvester Stallone embraced the role in “Coming Home,” the trajectory of his career might have altered significantly. A second Oscar nomination in a drama category, following “Rocky,” could have steered him toward scripts that prioritized character depth over action. This change might have seen Stallone mentioned alongside other acting titans renowned for dramatic portrayals, shifting away from the shadow of action stars like Schwarzenegger.
This hypothetical trajectory raises questions about how Stallone’s career, and potentially the action genre, would have evolved without the defining presence of “First Blood.” While both “Coming Home” and “First Blood” share thematic elements of a post-war veteran’s struggles, “First Blood” forged Stallone as the action icon John Rambo.
A Legacy Well-Defined
Despite the road not taken, Sylvester Stallone’s career speaks volumes of success solidified through persistency and diversity across roles. He showcased a unique ability to galvanize audiences both as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, characters that cemented his memory in cinematic history. Regrets aside, Stallone thrived in his path, sustaining longevity and impact over decades in Hollywood, reaching heights of fame many actors aspire toward.
Ultimately, the legacy of Sylvester Stallone isn’t diminished by the roles he didn’t take. His adaptability and continued evolution have admirably positioned him as an enduring figure whose choices in films contributed to the cultural Zeitgeist of each era he inhabited.
While some may speculate how his career might have been enriched had he taken on “Coming Home,” the reality is his journey is far from lacking. Stallone has carved an indelible mark on Hollywood—his regrets simply underscore the complexities and influence of the choices that defined him.
