Throughout eight films to date, Sylvester Stallone has played the eponymous role of Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise and has earned a baffling salary for close to 50 years. Beginning the Rocky/Creed movie franchise with the Academy Award-winning 1976 film directed by John G. Avildsen, Stallone embodies boxer Rocky Balboa as the tough, working-class underdog who has become the pride of Philadelphia. An iconic role for the now 76-year-old actor, Stallone has benefited from the franchise's popularity that continues to strengthen his credibility as an actor, director, and producer.

The Rocky franchise is one of the most successful film series in cinematic history and has become a staple for sports film fanatics. The series has grossed over $1.7 billion, including the six Rocky movies and two Creed spin-offs that have helped influence pop culture. Stallone has been a fixture of the franchise since its inception, nominated for three Academy Awards during his tenure, both for writing and acting. With Creed, Stallone has begun handing the baton over to star Michael B. Jordan, who steps into the spotlight as the son of former heavyweight champion and Ivan Drago opponent Apollo Creed.

Related: Sad Rocky Theory Claims Apollo Creed Knew He Would Die Fighting Drago

Since Sylvester Stallone conceived the idea for the first Rocky, writing the screenplay in just three days, he struck a deal to do the project on a low budget of $1 million if it meant he could star in the movie. After production wrapped, he made a total of $35,000 for the 25-day shoot, consisting of his writing and acting salary together (via Variety). Unfortunately for the star, he was not granted an ownership stake in the character and story, meaning he would not see a dime from licensing or merchandise. With backend percentages accounted for and 10 net points, MGM has paid Stallone about $2.5 million for Rocky in total.

How Much Has Stallone Earned From The Rocky & Creed Movies?

But all is not lost for the Rambo and The Expendables star, as he has contributed his acting and sometimes directing abilities to seven other features as the character of Rocky Balboa. Stallone earned a $75,000 payday with Rocky II, which increased to another $120,000 for Rocky III (via Variety). By the time he starred in Rocky V, his salary ballooned to $15 million (via Cheatsheet). The total earned for Stallone has increased further over the years, including the Creed films, when considering backend percentages. His net worth from the Rocky franchise and other successful ventures is close to $400 million.

Why Sylvester Stallone Isn't Returning For Creed 3

Michael B Jordan and Sylvester Stallone in Creed

The popularity of the Rocky films has propelled Sylvester Stallone to a career that's been commercially successful, mainly in the action film genre. After appearing in Creed and Creed II, Stallone has decided that his days as Rocky Balboa are over as Stallone will not be returning for Creed III. Instead, Michael B. Jordan will make his directorial debut and continue in his role as Adonis Creed. Although Sylvester Stallone is a producer on the sequel, he will instead focus on The Expendables 4, his new television series Tulsa King, and reprising his part as Stakar Ogord in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Next: Creed III: Adonis's Fatherhood Story Should Parallel Rocky's

Key Release Dates