Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed 45th Anniversary Funko Pops are now available for preorder. Rocky is the franchise started by actor Sylvester Stallone, who plays the titular "Italian Stallion" whose career takes off when he squares off against the Heavyweight Champ, Apollo Creed. Stallone's original Rocky movie was released in 1976 and spawned six sequels and a spinoff franchise, Creed, which stars Michael B. Jordan as Apollo Creed's son.
Funko tackled the Rocky franchise early on, with those figures now vaulted, including a Rocky Balboa, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Ivan Drago. Funko has embraced almost every movie franchise imaginable at this point, although there are still many to see the light of day. Surprisingly, those are the only Stallone-themed Funko Pops to have been released as of yet, but that's about to change.
Now, Funko has unveiled their line-up for the 45th Anniversary of Rocky, which includes Rocky in his signature red and white trunks, Apollo Creed in his star-spangled trunks, as well as two Rocky variants. The variants include Rocky in his sweatsuit, holding a chicken (from the scene in which his trainer, Micky, makes him catch one for his training), and Rocky with his belt, which is a recreation of the image and pose for Rocky III. Take a look below to see all four figures:
Preorders are being taken for Rocky in the red and white trunks, Apollo Creed, and Rocky with belt, but the sweatsuit Rocky has yet to be listed, and will likely appear in the Funko shop. Stallone has retired from the Rocky franchise, having appeared in the last two Creed films as Adonis Creed's trainer, and is bowing out of Creed III. However, Stallone is releasing a recut version of Rocky IV in November, which will play in theaters for one night before being released on home video. Creed III will again star by Michael B. Jordan, who is also helming the film in his directorial debut, and is slated for release in November 2022.
It's surprising that it has taken this long for Funko to drum up some love for Rocky, but a 45th Anniversary seems apt for the occasion. Hopefully, this will spawn some more Stallone-centric Funko Pops, as the actor has a long line of performances that are deserving of the big-headed collectible variety. Between The Expendables franchise, Rambo, Demolition Man, Cobra, Tango & Cash, Rhinestone, and many more, there are plenty of iconic Stallone characters to go around. Perhaps a famous roles series could fill that gap, but that's all up to Funko. For those that want to ring their collection bell with some Rocky Pops, the bout is ready to start.
Source: Funko