Unbelievable Deepfake: Arnold Schwarzenegger Transforms into Ivan Drago in Rocky IV

Summary

A new deepfake imagines Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, adding his face to classic scenes from the film.

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Although Rocky IV has received negative reviews, it is widely regarded as a timeless classic due to its extravagant storyline and thrilling action sequences. The crucial event of Drago's fatal encounter with Apollo Creed serves as a catalyst for Rocky's emotional growth and paved the way for the subsequent successful Creed movies.

In a deepfake video called Rocky IV, Arnold Schwarzenegger takes on the role of Ivan Drago instead of Dolph Lundgren. This alternative version, created by brianmonarch, offers a glimpse into a different interpretation of the 1985 film. In the original story, Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa is forced out of retirement after the tragic death of his friend Apollo Creed. The plot takes a turn when Apollo is brutally killed in the boxing ring by the fierce Russian newcomer, Drago. As the story unfolds, Rocky finds himself torn between stopping the violent exhibition match and letting it play out. But now, with the magical touch of deepfake technology, we can visualize how Schwarzenegger would have portrayed the iconic character, adding an intriguing twist to this beloved sports drama.

The Unusual Legacy of Rocky IV

In the depicted images, a youthful visage of Schwarzenegger has been seamlessly integrated into iconic scenes from Rocky IV featuring Drago. Schwarzenegger, portraying Drago, confidently steps into the boxing ring, perspiring heavily, while a trail of blood streams down his face, artfully crafted by the deepfake technology. The accompanying caption of the deepfake content recognizes Lundgren's exceptional performance in Rocky IV, yet playfully ponders the intriguing possibility of Schwarzenegger assuming the role instead.

Rocky IV, part of the Rocky franchise which consists of nine films (including the three Creed films), garnered low ratings. It currently holds a retrospective score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes and a rating of 40 (out of 100) on Metacritic, a fellow review aggregate website. Despite this, the film has gained a cult following as a beloved 80s classic due to its exaggerated storyline and action-packed sequences. Sylvester Stallone even released a new Rocky IV cut, further solidifying its status. Had a renowned star like Schwarzenegger been cast instead of Lundgren, exploiting their 80s rivalry with Stallone, Rocky IV might have received better critical reception.

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Rocky IV, despite any criticism it received, played a crucial role in the Rocky franchise. The moment when Drago kills Apollo became a pivotal plot point that deeply affected Rocky's emotions throughout the film. Moreover, Apollo's death served as a pivotal moment that set the foundation for the Creed films. These movies showcased Rocky's connection with Apollo's son, Adonis, and Lundgren's portrayal of the stoic Drago resonated with audiences, potentially influencing Schwarzenegger's return to Creed II.

The Creed films, including Creed, Creed II, and Creed III, have garnered exceptional reviews, surpassing the rest of the Rocky franchise. The first Creed was not only a financial success but also earned Stallone a Best Supporting Actor nomination. This success aligned the trajectory of Creed closer to that of Rocky rather than Rocky IV, which may have been criticized for its excessive nature and the intense battles involving Ivan Drago. Nonetheless, Rocky IV paved the way for significant accomplishments in the Rocky series, even without the star power of Schwarzenegger.

Source: brianmonarch/Instagram