Sylvester Stallone Returns in 'Rocky Balboa'

Sylvester Stallone Returns in 'Rocky Balboa'

Film Will Be Co-Produced and Co-Financed By MGM, Columbia Pictures and Revolution Studios

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Sylvester Stallone will reprise his role as legendary boxing champion Rocky Balboa in the new film "Rocky Balboa," it was announced today by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., Revolution Studios and Columbia Pictures, who will co-produce and co-finance the film. Columbia Pictures will also handle distribution for the film.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO )

Stallone, who received Academy Award nominations for starring in and writing "Rocky," will serve as writer and director of the film. A Chartoff/Winkler production, the film is scheduled to begin shooting early in 2006.

"Rocky Balboa" is the next story in the saga of Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa, one of Hollywood's most beloved characters. In the film, Rocky has long since retired but is drawn back to the boxing ring one last time. On the way he is challenged by a powerful new champion, by personal tragedy and ultimately by himself.

According to Stallone, "'Rocky Balboa' is about everybody who feels they want to participate in the race of life, rather than be a bystander. You're never too old to climb a mountain, if that's your desire."

Dan Taylor, President of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, stated, "We're convinced the Rocky franchise is as strong as ever, with a whole new generation of filmgoers ready to be introduced and an established fan base eager to be reacquainted with this iconic character. We felt it was the perfect first film to be green lit under the 'new' MGM."

"In many ways, the screenplay really took me back to the original 'Rocky,'" said Revolution Studios founder Joe Roth. "As a past champion, Rocky Balboa is once again a regular guy who has to find himself and deal with real life. This film brings Rocky's story full-circle."

The film will be produced by Charles Winkler, William Chartoff and David Winkler. Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler, the producers of the previous "Rocky" films, will serve as executive producers.

Revolution Studios was formed by Joe Roth in May 2000, to independently produce and finance films in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Starz Entertainment Group and Fox Entertainment Group.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an independent, privately-held motion picture, television, home video, and theatrical production and distribution company. The company owns the world's largest modern film library, consisting of approximately 4,000 titles, and over 10,400 episodes of television programming. Its film library has received 208 Academy Awards(R), one of the largest award winning collections in the world, and includes numerous successful film franchises, including "James Bond," "Pink Panther" and "Rocky." MGM is owned by an investor consortium comprised of Providence Equity Partners, Texas Pacific Group, Sony Corporation of America, Comcast Corporation and DLJ Merchant Banking Partners. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

For further information, please contact: Craig Parsons / Paige Taylor, MGM, 310-449-3660 Sean Dudas / Stuart Herriott, Revolution Studios, 310-255-7254, 310-255-7269 Steve Elzer, Columbia Pictures, 310-244-7142

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

CONTACT: Craig Parsons or Paige Taylor, both of MGM, +1-310-449-3660; or Sean Dudas, +1-310-255-7254, or Stuart Herriott, +1-310-255-7269, both of Revolution Studios; or Steve Elzer of Columbia Pictures, +1-310-244-7142

Web site: http://www.mgm.com/

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