While we await more news about Michael B. Jordan's new film Creed 4, there's news about the fate of the iconic Rocky Balboa statue, dedicated to the character played by Sylvester Stallone and one of the top tourist attractions in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Art Commission has voted to reposition the iconic statue of the cinematic hero played by Sylvester Stallone at the top of the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, where it once made cinematic history: Creative Philadelphia has approved a preliminary plan to move the bronze boxer outside the museum, where it made its debut in the 1982 sequel "Rocky III," part of Stallone's popular film saga, as reported by the New York Times.
Initially, the commission had sought to return the 2.48-meter statue, which has had several locations in the city since it was created by artist A. Thomas Schomberg in 1980, according to Stallone, the newspaper stated. But the commission later reconsidered the matter, and the actor readily agreed: "In response to strong and heartfelt public feedback, Mr. Stallone has graciously decided not to proceed with the statue exchange," Valerie V. Gay, the city's cultural officer, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "This outcome reflects our shared commitment to listening carefully to the community and doing what is best for both the art and the people who love it," she added.
At a meeting, the Creative Philadelphia board of directors voted 3 to 1 with two abstentions to return the Rocky Balboa statue to the museum's famous steps, and it is expected to be part of an exhibition titled "Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments," which will run from April to August 2026, the Inquirer reported. Despite the statue's popularity among film fans, art purists have questioned whether it is suitable for display outside a museum that houses a collection of art treasures by many great masters. Some sports purists have also pushed for a statue of Philadelphia boxing icon Joe Frazier.
The bronze Rocky statue has been moved several times; the statue also appeared in the same location for Rocky V in 1990. Meanwhile, two other copies of the statue have been created over the years, but now the original will return to its place. Next year, we will see the statue again in the highly anticipated new film I Play Rocky, a biopic about Stallone and the creation of the first film in the saga.