New SLY Magazine Coming!

Next Celebrity Mag Contender Could Prove A Real Knockout

Mediapost.com reported on October 1st that Sylvester Stallone and American Media are developing a new men’s fitness magazine which would feature Sly on the cover each month.

Here’s what the piece says:

He beat the odds to become a fictional heavyweight champion of the world, and won an Oscar in the process. Now sources tell Mag Rack that actor Sylvester Stallone is the next big celebrity magazine contender. Following in the footsteps of Rosie, Oprah, and Trump, American Media is developing Sly, a new health and fitness monthly aimed at older men, which would feature Stallone on the cover of each issue.

It’s a logical line extension for American Media, which already publishes Men’s Fitness, and already has an editorial talent pool in place to develop the personality-oriented workout book.

Assuming Stallone’s magazine actually makes it to the racks, he would immediately elevate his status as one of the more versatile figures in the media universe. The actor, best known for his roles as “Rocky” and “Rambo,” is also on the bill to host the new NBC boxing reality series “The Contender.”

Wouldn’t this be cool? – Craig

Sly Moves in Muscle & Fitness!

The October 2004 issue of Muscle and Fitness contains a 5 page tear out booklet/advertisement for Instone with a cool picture of Sly on the cover.

It focuses on the weight loss product Lean Fire and even contains ‘Sylvester Stallone’s Nutrition Notebook.’ Sly also reveals the title of his NEW book to be called, Sly Moves!!!

An excerpt:

” I now have total control over my conditioning, and it’s an incredibly empowering feeling ! ”

Sylvester Stallone

Peace,
Jazz

(Thanks Jazz! – Craig)

2 of 3 Wepner Claims Dismissed in Suit Against Sly

On September 28thU.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden denied Sylvester Stallone‘s bid to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Chuck Wepner which claims that Stallone inappropriately used Wepner‘s name to promote his “Rocky” movies.

However, Judge Katharine S. Hayden dismissed two other claims by the ex-boxer: 1) that Stallone was unjustly enriched by trading on Wepner‘s life story and 2) that Wepner suffered by relying on Stallone‘s promises.

Wepner‘s lawyer Anthony G. Mango called the ruling a “100% victory.” [Uh, but weren’t TWO of the THREE claims dismissed? 100% Victory? More like 33%, I’d say. – CraigSly‘s attorney, Jon Paul Robbins, declined to comment preferring to not try the case in the media.

As to the one claim that was allowed to go forward Judge Hayden stated that “Wepner contends, and Stallone does not contest, that the main character, Rocky Balboa, was based on Wepner and the plot of the first movie was inspired on the 1975 fight.”

We’ll keep you posted of updates as the case progresses.

It’s not unusual for a judge to allow a case to proceed to trial so that a jury can decide the outcome of the claims. The fact that two of Wepner‘s claims were dismissed is good news for Sly. The claim that did go forward doesn’t seem to have a solid foundation since Wepner has no contracts and he benefitted from his association to Rocky. I’m sure it can be easily proved that his appearances and income went up AFTER Sly spoke of his inspiration for Rocky. I’d also bet that Wepner used Sly‘s name in his appearances! – Craig

Sly at Mr. Olympia 2004

The annual Mr. Olympia contest is the ultimate title in professional bodybuilding.
This year the contest will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino the weekend of October 28–31, 2004.

Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and WWE Superstar “Triple H” are scheduled to attend.

Here’s what they have to say about Sly:

International film star Sylvester Stallone — whose fitness routines are legendary — will also be attending the Mr. Olympia competition. Sly, creator of the upcoming NBC show “The Contender,” is scheduled to introduce the new Challenge Round that will feature the Mr. Olympia finalists in a one–on–one competition that will add a new twist to this year’s outcome.

If any Zoner is in the area and able to attend the event, we’d love to see the photos!

Thanks to Alain from France for the tip!

– Craig

“Rocky” Legends

If you’re into home video games, then you should visit the Rocky Legends site.

It’s loaded with screenshots, trailers, music, and more. You have 40 fighters to choose from, including Rocky as he was in each of the five films. You can train and increase your fighter’s skills and there are twenty venues in which to hold your events.

I’m not the video game fan that I used to be, but this site has me wanting to grab a joystick to see how I’d fare against those 40 boxers!

Thanks, Jorge Napoles for the tip! – Craig

“Rocky” Anthology DVD

MGM Home Entertainment has announced a new Rocky Anthology dvd giftset for release on December 14, 2004.

Each film will boast brand new high-definition transfers along with a new DTS track on Rocky and 5.1 Surround on the four sequels.

The selling point for me is the new audio commentaries on all five films

The set will also include a bonus sixth disc containing the A&E Biography “Sylvester Stallone: The Rocky Road to the Top”.

The six-disc package will list for around $63.00. If you order using a link on the SZ, not only do you save money but you also help support us!

You can pre-order it HERE for 30% off.

Thanks to Tarek for the heads-up – Craig

“Rambo” Rumors

On September 16, 2004, ContactMusic.com reported that “Hollywood hunk SYLVESTER STALLONE is to reprise his role as JOHN RAMBO in a new movie which sees the Vietnam veteran become an eco-warrior.

The untitled third sequel to 1982’s FIRST BLOOD features Rambo punishing industrial corporations for polluting the environment.

The action film will be the 58-year-old’s first movie role since SPY KIDS 3-D: GAME OVER, which hit cinemas in 2003.”

[ Thanks, Alain the French Fan for the tip! – Craig]

And on September 18, 2004, Dark Horizons posted “Rambo IV: A rumored plotline is up at Stallone Zone” in reference to a message board thread.