Sylvester Stallone’s Strongest Character Crushes Rocky & Rambo

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Sylvester Stallone, over the course of his acting career, has taken on numerous tough characters, but Rocky Balboa and John Rambo are arguably the most well-known among them. During the 1980s, there was no bigger name in action movies than Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They were the undisputed leaders in bringing large-scale action films to the big screen, maintaining their dominance until new faces like Bruce Willis emerged, offering a more ordinary, identifiable hero placed in extraordinary circumstances, which provided a fresh take on the genre.

Although the actor was well-known for his action roles, extending into the 2000s with “The Expendables,” his characters were not as powerful as Sylvester Stallone’s iconic movie characters. For most of his career, he relied on portraying an ordinary, overpowering character, even in science fiction films like “Demolition Man” and war series such as the “Rambo” franchise. However, things took a turn in 2022 when Stallone assumed the lead role in a smaller, independent superhero film, embodying a man named Joe Smith.

Joe “Samaritan” Smith Is Sylvester Stallone’s Most Powerful Human Character

Joe Smith Is A Retired Superhero WIth A Healing Factor

2022 saw Sylvester Stallone taking on the role of a superhero in the movie “Samaritan,” which was exclusively available on Amazon Prime Video. This film presents a more realistic and ominous perspective on the genre within a future setting where it’s assumed that Stallone’s character, Samaritan, is no longer alive. The narrative unfolds as a young boy named Sam finds himself in danger after a deal goes sour, leading to an enigmatic figure named Joe Smith intervening and saving him. This act leaves Sam believing that Joe might be the long-rumored deceased superhero, the Samaritan.

I must agree with Sam – the movie indeed revolves around the gang’s pursuit of Joe. As the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that Joe is stronger than anyone could have imagined, even those who had merely heard tales of his feats prior to his supposed demise 25 years ago. The Samaritan, as we come to learn, possesses incredible strength, durability, and a remarkable healing factor. However, there’s a catch – whenever he heals, he generates an alarming amount of heat and must cool down promptly to prevent an explosion-like outcome.

The film additionally delves into the Samaritan’s past, revealing a captivating finale involving his twin brother, who was previously portrayed as the antagonist, Nemesis. In this movie, Joe demonstrates an ability to withstand significant punishment, similar to many characters played by Sylvester Stallone. Yet, his regenerative abilities and enhanced strength surpass those of any of his previous roles, such as the tenacious boxer Rocky and the durable, yet still human, Rambo.

Sylvester Stallone told SyFy:

As a movie critic, I found the protagonist to be an extraordinary character, not defined by supernatural abilities but rather his unwavering resolve. Unlike many action heroes who rely on agility or speed, this individual showcases impressive physical strength. He doesn’t soar through the air or possess powers like flight, invisibility, or pyrokinesis. Instead, he embodies a contemporary version of Hercules, a mythic hero for our times. I believe it’s these relatable, timeless heroes that resonate most deeply with audiences.

Sylvester Stallone Has Only Played A Couple Of “Super” Characters In His Career

Stallone Also Had Superhero Roles In The MCU, DCU, & 2000 AD Series

In 1995, Sylvester Stallone made his debut as a super character in the science fiction film “Judge Dredd,” which was based on the comic book character from “2000 AD.” Despite not having any superpowers, Judge Dredd is an iconic figure in a vast universe, acting as both judge, jury, and executioner within a dystopian society. Before this role, Samaritan had given Stallone the opportunity to play a superhero as the main character.

Sylvester Stallone “Super” Characters:

Movie Role Based On
Judge Dredd (1995) Judge Joseph Dredd 2000 AD
Guardians of the Galaxy (2017-2023) Stakar Ogord Marvel Comics
The Suicide Squad (2021) Nanaue / King Shark DC Comics
The Samaritan (2022) Joe Smith Mythos Comics

Following Judge Dredd, Sylvester Stallone waited 22 years to revisit the superhero genre, this time with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, a film set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this production, Stallone played Stakar Ogord, an alien character from the Ravagers who bears a longstanding grudge against Yondu (Michael Rooker). Although Stakar Ogord does not display any powers in his two appearances in the MCU, he possesses such abilities in his comic book counterpart.

In summary, among Sylvester Stallone’s iconic characters, King Shark from James Gunn’s 2021 film “The Suicide Squad” stands out as the most powerful. This formidable character is a hybrid of man and shark, towering at an intimidating six feet seven inches. He possesses near-invincibility against any weaponry, and his appetite for conflict is evident as he devours almost every foe he meets throughout the film. While “The Samaritan” showcases Stallone’s strongest human character, his career has seen him delve into more fantastical roles over time.

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2025-05-01 23:18