The Rocky franchise is seemingly neverending due to its relentless success, and a spinoff centering around Dolph Lundgren’s character, Ivan Drago, is in the works and has the potential to continue one significant theme from the iconic film series. Lundgren made his first appearance as Drago, a Russian boxer and Olympic gold medalist from the Soviet Union, in Rocky IV, the fourth installment in the franchise. He served as the main antagonist in the 1985 movie and returned as a villain once more in Creed II, where he trained his son, Viktor. Now, a spinoff centered around Drago is in development.
Apollo Creed challenged Drago to a fight in Rocky IV, and during the match, the older Creed could not keep up with the younger Drago. As a result, Drago fatally injured Apollo, who died in Rocky Balboa’s arms just a few minutes after the fight’s end. Later, Rocky fought Drago to avenge Apollo’s death, and he ultimately defeated the Russian boxer. In Creed II, Drago’s son, Viktor, took on Creed’s son, Donnie, and lost. Although Drago was tough on Viktor throughout the 2018 film, it ended with him being able to move on from his past and form a stronger bond with his son.
Drago’s Immigrant Story Can Continue Rocky & Creed’s Underdog Theme
One of the Rocky franchise’s most important elements is the presence of the underdog — a quality crucial to Rocky and Creed’s success in the movies. Even though Drago is not considered an underdog in Rocky IV or Creed II, due to his dominance in the ring, his life outside of boxing could be attributed to one of an underdog. Drago is originally from Russia, and his status as an immigrant would immediately cement his role as an underdog.
A Drago spinoff in the Rocky film series will not work if the character is not seen as the dark horse the audience can root for. Since he was a formidable boxer, it wouldn’t make sense if Drago was regarded as the underdog in that respect (even though he lost to Rocky at the end of Rocky IV). But the upcoming spinoff can accomplish this significant theme if it focuses more on Drago and Viktor coming to America as Russian immigrants.
Creed 4 Will Likely Break A 38-Year-Old Rocky Franchise Record If It Continues This Sequel Trend
Creed 4 is in development with Michael B. Jordan as director, and if it follows this Rocky franchise trend, it could be the biggest outing yet.
Drago’s Spinoff Could Be Great For The Rocky Franchise
Most of the details surrounding the Drago spinoff are unknown, and the film has been pushed back in favor of the studio focusing on Creed IV following Creed III‘s success. Despite its delay, a movie revolving around Drago would be the perfect next step in the franchise. Creed II played a big role in developing the villain into a character that could be redeemed, whereas this seemed impossible following Rocky IV. A Drago spinoff would bring something new to the Rocky franchise while staying true to its roots.
