Sylvester Stallone earned a modest $35,000 for writing and starring in the original Rocky film. However, his financial gain from the film was significantly increased thanks to his shrewd negotiation for backend points. These points entitled him to a percentage of the film's profits, which ultimately amounted to millions of dollars.
Here's a breakdown of Stallone's earnings from Rocky:
- Initial Salary: $35,000
- Backend Points: A percentage of the film's profits, which ultimately amounted to millions of dollars.
Stallone's initial salary was quite low, even for a struggling actor in the 1970s. However, his insistence on backend points proved to be a wise decision. Rocky was a massive box office success, grossing over $225 million worldwide against a budget of just $1 million. This success translated into significant profits for Stallone, who earned millions from his backend points.
Stallone's experience with Rocky serves as a reminder of the importance of negotiating for backend points, particularly for actors and writers who believe in their projects. It also highlights the potential for significant financial rewards when a film becomes a box office hit.
