Sylvester Stallone took a huge pay cut to ensure a cult-classic film would be made

Sylvester Stallone is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the history of Hollywood, as he made a name for himself as the king of action movies in the 70s and 80s. That’s not all he is known for as Sly is also known as one of the most generous and giving actors in the business. In fact, he took a massive pay cut just so that one of his film’s crew members could get paid.

Sylvester Stallone is no stranger when it comes to going to great lengths in order to achieve the conditions imaginable for any film. Therefore, it comes as no surprise he went beyond the call of duty to ensure that one of his cult classic films would see the light of day.

Sylvester Stallone in Rocky 1

Sylvester Stallone Paid $1 Million From His Own Pocket For An Insane Stunt In Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger is regarded as one of Sylvester Stallone’s most underrated works for good reason. Starring himself, John Lithgow, Michael Rooker, and Janine Turner, the film was made on a shoestring budget of $70 million. That said, the film turned out to be a massive success as it would go on to earn $255 million at the Box Office.

The film also featured an incredibly dangerous stunt that fans remember even now. Notably, it saw Travers doing a rope climb from one airplane to another at a height of over 15,000 feet without any safety harness.

Stuntman Simon Crane wasn’t going to do it without proper compensation, which is why he wanted $1 million. Featured in the Guinness World Record, Crane was refused insurance by the insurance company. In this instance, Sylvester Stallone saved the day as Stallone took a pay cut of $1 million from his own $15 million salary to make the stunt a reality, as the film was $30 million over the original budget. Thankfully, the stunt went by without a hitch and is now in the record books.

A Cliffhanger Reboot With Sylvester Stallone Is Already In The Works

According to Variety, Sylvester Stallone will reprise his iconic role as Gabe Walker in the upcoming Cliffhanger reboot. Ric Roman Waugh will be directing the project while Fast and Furious producer Neal H. Moritz’s Original Film will produce with Rocket Science and Stallone and Braden Aftergood’s Balboa Productions.

A still of Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger

While speaking to RadioTimes, Sylvester Stallone commented on the upcoming Cliffhanger reboot. The legendary actor made it clear that he is excited to be part of the project and is sure it will be a fun watch.
“I’m expecting to have a lot of good entertainment come out of that. The first one turned out to be sensational.

It’s, you know, it’s interesting. You look back on films, and very few hold up, because usually they’re made with the same kind of technology and mentality of the times like the ’80s, the ’70s, you can see it.

Like, if you were to make the Godfather today it wouldn’t work. You couldn’t – those actors don’t exist. I mean, it’s a different style. Now Cliffhanger, like Demolition Man, holds up, so I’m looking forward to it.

Of course, I’m not hanging from as many peaks as I’d like. Thank God, but I’m the father of my children, my offspring. They’re the ones that carry on the torch. And the script was fantastic. I was actually truly impressed. It’s very hard to, I mean, I read it all, so to be impressed.”
We will have to wait and see whether the reboot will be able to meet the expectations of fans who loved the original 1993 classic. With Sylvester Stallone in the fold, perhaps the film will end up being a worthwhile watch.