FAQ

Because this was before home video was a prevalent market. So chances are, those who saw Rocky I only saw it in the theaters when it was initially released. The only way films got rewatched was if you went to see it at a local theater or if it aired on TV. So, chances are it had been years since you last saw the film, so a recap at the start of a sequel was common.

After being declared the loser in his 15-round fight with world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky "The Italian Stallion" Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) decides to retire from fighting, marry his girlfriend Adrian Pennino (Talia Shire), and spend his earnings on some luxury items such as watches, clothes, a car, and a house. Embarrassed by Rocky's ability to go the distance, however, Creed demands a rematch in order to prove that the first fight was simply a fluke in Rocky's favor.

Rocky II is the sequel to Rocky (1976), which was based on a screenplay written by title character actor Sylvester Stallone. Stallone also wrote the screenplay for Rocky II, which was followed by Rocky III : L'Œil du tigre (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Rocky, however, was novelized in 1976 by Rosalyn Drexler (writing under the name Julia Sorel), based on Stallone's screenplay. Later, to coincide with the releases of the sequels, Stallone himself would novelize Rocky II and Rocky IV. Rocky III was novelized by Robert E. Hoban.

Although the film was released in 1979, three years after the release of Rocky, the rematch takes place only 10 months after the first fight with Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). Specifically the fight takes place on Thanksgiving 1976. In 1976, Thanksgiving fell on November 25, so the film runs from January 1 to November 25, of that year.

Rocky (1976): November 25, 1975 – January 1, 1976

Rocky II (1979): January 1, 1976 – November 25, 1976

Rocky was 30 in Rocky, and he's 31 in Rocky II as evidenced when he's walking out to the ring to fight Creed. The announcer says, "31 years of age."

As Rocky tells Gazzo (Joe Spinell) at the wedding, he made $37,000 after taxes, although in the first film, it was mentioned in the press conference that he was set to make $150,000. Though it's entirely possible other people took advantage of Rocky and took more money from him.

$300,000 over the course of the first fiscal year.

Remember when we was on ice skates, And I thought you were supposed to be great, But I kept giving you lip, And you kept trying to slip, So I could catch you. That was our first date, And after that, every day was great. So now I want you to know, That wherever you go, Atlantic City or in the snow, Don't worry about a thing, Cause as long as I got this ring, I'll always be there to catch you.