Sylvester Stallone hits out at 'parasite' 'Rocky' producer over spin-off plans

Sylvester Stallone has again criticised Rocky producer Irwin Winkler over a planned spin-off centred around Ivan Drago.

Stallone, who created the character and starred as Rocky across eight films has previously sought to gain ownership rights over the films after saying his stake in the series was 'zero'.

Taking to Instagram, he has again criticised Winkler after a spin-off based on Ivan Drago was said to be in the works.

Read more: How Rocky mirrored Stallone's real-life

Stallone wrote: "Another Heartbreaker… Just found this out…ONCE AGAIN , IRWIN WINKLER , this PATHETIC 94 year old PRODUCER and HIS MORONIC VULTURE CHILDREN, Charles And David , are once again picking clean THE BONES of another wonderful character I created without even telling me."

He then proceeded to apologise to Rocky fans and seemed to take a stab at longtime collaborator Dolph Lundgren to plays Drago: "By the way, I once had nothing but respect for Dolph but he NEVER told me about what was going on behind my back with the character I created for him !!! REAL FRIENDS Are more precious than gold."

The Oscar nominee concluded his post by saying: "After IRWIN WINKLER And FAMILY SUCK ROCKY DRY ! Presumed to be the most hated, untalented, decrepit producer in Hollywood and his cowardly children have found their next meal… Drago?

"Throughout history so many artists in every industry, recording, painting writing, you name it have been destroyed by these blood suckers who have destroyed so many families , lining their pockets with other people work.. #parasite producers #exploited artists victims."

Lundgren responded to the post on social media, saying he was told that Stallone was involved in the spin-off: "Just to set the record straight regarding a possible Drago spinoff. There’s no approved script, no deals in place, no director and I was personally under the impression that my friend Sly Stallone was involved as a producer or even as an actor.

"There was a press leak last week which was unfortunate. In touch with Mr Balboa – just so all the fans can relax…There ya go."

Stallone originally created Rocky in 1976 and he was nominated for Oscars for both his screenplay and performance as the boxer.

He most recently reprised the role in Creed II which was released in 2018 and focuses on Rocky training Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo from the first four Rocky films.

Winkler is a long-time Hollywood producer best known for his role in the Rocky films as well as his multiple collaborations with Martin Scorsese.

Some of his other credits include Goodfellas, Raging Bull, The Irishman, The Gambler and The Mechanic.

Watch below: Sylvester Stallone slams Rocky producer Irwin Winkler over ownership rights.