After initial plans to gift the original Rocky Statue to the franchise's star, Sylvester Stallone, the actor appears to have had a change of heart after hearing the thoughts of the people of Philadelphia on the matter.
Known for film franchises like 'Rambo,' 'The Expendables,' and Philadelphia’s favorite, the 'Rocky' franchise, Stallone made headlines Tuesday as it was announced that the original Rocky Statue, which has resided outside the Philadelphia Art Museum since 1982, would be gifted to Stallone in a swap that would leave the Museum with the second, replica statue that currently sits atop the stairs.
However, after a strong public outcry from city residents, the actor has walked back his initial plans, leaving the original at its longtime home and instead taking back the replica he loaned the city in 2024 for the inaugural Rocky Fest celebration.
During a Philadelphia Art Commission meeting on Wednesday morning, city officials revealed that they had met with Stallone and that, based on the “strong and heartfelt feedback from the public," Stallone graciously made the decision to no longer move forward with the proposed statue swap.
Additionally, the city offered a proposal, which was approved by the Art Commission, to find a new permanent location for the statue atop the steps, somewhere in the general vicinity of where the replica currently stands.
"This proposal has the full support of Mayor Parker and is in partnership with the Philadelphia Art Museum, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Philadelphia Visitor Center,” said Public Art Director Marguerite Anglin. “We're unified in believing that this is the right long-term placement for the statue and the right moment for the city to make this happen.”
As the city prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 'Rocky' film with a brand-new 'Rocky'-themed exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum, visitors will truly be able to enjoy the celebration, knowing that the original statue and the city’s symbol of the Philadelphia spirit the franchise so iconically represented will remain for the foreseeable future.
“The story of Rocky is at its core, a Philadelphia story,” said Parker in a statement. “It celebrates perseverance, humility and the belief that greatness is not reserved for the privileged, but earned through heart and determination. These are the values Philadelphians embrace every day, and the statue serves as a visual reminder of these ideals.”
