Part 3/11:
The breakthrough came with Carl Weathers. An athlete with a commanding presence, Weathers impressed during his audition, quickly proving his capability to embody Apollo Creed’s larger-than-life persona. Within minutes of reading scenes from the script, he demonstrated a natural charisma and athleticism that felt completely authentic. The chemistry between him and Sylvester Stallone was palpable, embodying both the arrogance and underlying vulnerability of Creed. Stallone vividly recalls the moment, knowing instinctively that Weathers was the perfect cast for Apollo—a role that demanded more than just physical prowess but also a nuanced understanding of a complex character.