Alex Bruno
In a move that has left Hollywood’s elite clutching their organic, sustainably-sourced pearls, Sylvester Stallone, the man who taught us all to “fight for what’s right” in a boxing ring, has turned down a staggering $500 million movie offer from Disney. His reason? He’s had enough of the “woke crap.” While some might see this as a missed opportunity, others are left wondering if Stallone is just trying to dodge another sequel – this time, one that doesn’t involve boxing gloves but rather a script dripping in political correctness.
Disney, the entertainment behemoth known for its magical kingdoms and fairy-tale endings, has recently been on a quest to sprinkle a little more ‘wokeness’ into its cinematic universe. From princesses advocating for equal pay to princes joining climate change marches, Disney has been ensuring every character gets a dose of 21st-century enlightenment. Rumor has it that the next “Lion King” sequel will feature Simba attending a seminar on sustainable grazing. Hakuna Matata, indeed.
Sylvester, however, seems to have missed the memo about Hollywood’s new direction. When asked about his decision, he remarked, “I’ve fought against Russians, trained fighters, and even climbed mountains in my movies. But this? This is where I draw the line.” Ah, the good old days when the only drama Stallone had to deal with was a rival boxer and not a script filled with modern-day social commentary.
Hollywood, always ready with an opinion, has had mixed reactions to Stallone’s decision. One anonymous director remarked, “I always knew Sylvester was a tough guy, but I didn’t realize he was this afraid of a little cultural relevance.” Meanwhile, a prominent actress was overheard saying, “If being woke means getting $500 million, then someone please hand me a script filled with as much political correctness as possible.”
Of course, the fans had a field day on social media. #TooWokeForRocky started trending, with many sharing memes of Stallone looking bewildered by modern trends like plant-based diets and electric scooters. One fan tweeted, “Stallone rejects $500 million for wokeness? Guess he’s sticking to his meat-punching diet.”
Stallone’s decision to turn down half a billion dollars raises broader questions about the role of art and entertainment in society. Should movies merely entertain, or should they also educate and raise awareness? And if they do the latter, how can they do it without alienating audiences?
There’s no easy answer. What’s clear, however, is that as society evolves, so too will our expectations of the entertainment industry. Artists, producers, and companies will need to navigate this complex landscape carefully, balancing the desire to be socially conscious with the need to entertain.
While it remains to be seen if Sylvester Stallone’s stand against ‘wokeness’ will impact his career, one thing is clear: in the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, it’s essential to keep up with the times, even if it means turning down a hefty paycheck. As for Disney, they’re reportedly in talks with another action star who’s more in tune with their vision. Word on the street is that he’s a passionate advocate for zero-waste and has a pet turtle named “Eco Warrior”. Stay tuned for more updates.
