Sylvester Stallone And The Crime Thriller Sequel That Almost Was

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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The Success of Cobra and the Potential for a Sequel

Cobra, despite mixed critical reception, was a box office success, solidifying Stallone's position as an 80s action movie icon. Released in May 1986, it earned over $160 million worldwide against a budget of $20 million, demonstrating significant audience appeal. While some critics panned the film for its over-the-top violence and simplistic plot, many praised Stallone's charismatic performance and the film's stylish action sequences. This blend of success and controversy created a fertile ground for a sequel.

• Box office figures: Over $160 million worldwide gross.
• Notable critical reviews: Mixed reviews, praising Stallone's performance and action while criticizing the plot.
• Fan reception and enduring popularity: Maintained a cult following and is still referenced in popular culture.
• Unsolved plot points hinting at future storylines: The open-ended nature of the ending left ample room for a sequel to explore further adventures of Lieutenant Marion Cobretti.

The unresolved storylines and the film's enduring popularity among fans suggested a sequel could have been a financially viable and critically interesting project. The lingering questions surrounding the villain's organization and Cobretti's future certainly pointed to untapped potential for a follow-up.

Early Development and Script Ideas for the Cobra Sequel

While concrete details remain scarce, the early stages of a Cobra sequel involved discussions and potential script treatments. Several screenwriters were reportedly approached, though their names remain largely unconfirmed. Initial plot ideas revolved around Cobretti confronting a new, even more dangerous criminal organization, possibly a sophisticated international crime syndicate. The potential for expanding on Cobretti’s character, exploring his past, and delving deeper into his methods was also discussed.

• Names of potential screenwriters: Unfortunately, information regarding specific screenwriters involved in early development is limited and largely unsubstantiated.
• Brief descriptions of plot concepts: Confrontations with international crime syndicates, explorations of Cobretti’s past, and further developments of his unique methods were all explored in different drafts.
• Any known studio involvement: While no specific studios are definitively linked to the project's early stages, it's highly likely major studios were involved given the success of the first film.
• Obstacles faced in early development: Even at the initial stages, creative differences and scheduling conflicts may have already presented significant obstacles to production.

Why the Cobra Sequel Was Ultimately Cancelled

The cancellation of the Cobra sequel is attributed to a confluence of factors. Creative differences between Sylvester Stallone and the studio regarding the direction of the sequel played a significant role. Budget concerns also emerged, as escalating production costs in the late 1980s made it difficult to secure funding for a project that, while potentially profitable, wasn't guaranteed a blockbuster return. Stallone's burgeoning career, focused on other major projects like Rambo III, also contributed to the decision. The shifting landscape of the action genre also played a part, with audiences’ tastes evolving, potentially lessening the demand for a Cobra sequel.

• Specific financial constraints: The rising costs of movie production in the late 1980s made securing funding challenging.
• Creative disagreements between Stallone and the studio: Differing visions for the sequel's plot and tone may have contributed to the project's demise.
• Changes in the action genre landscape: Evolving audience preferences and the emergence of new action stars may have impacted the perceived viability of a Cobra sequel.
• Stallone's other projects taking priority: Stallone's focus on other successful film franchises likely diverted resources and attention away from the Cobra sequel.

The Legacy of the Unmade Cobra Sequel

Despite never making it to the big screen, the potential Cobra sequel continues to fascinate fans. Online forums are filled with speculation about what could have been, with fans creating their own story treatments and discussing potential plotlines. Its unrealized potential makes it a case study in the "what-if" scenarios that often populate Hollywood lore. The legacy of this unreleased film underscores the unpredictable and often capricious nature of movie production.

• Fan theories and online discussions about the potential sequel: Active online communities speculate about plotlines, characters, and the potential success of a hypothetical sequel.
• Comparisons to other cancelled movie projects: The Cobra sequel's fate mirrors that of numerous other planned sequels and spin-offs, illustrating a common challenge in Hollywood.
• Speculation on how the film would be received today: Given the current resurgence of 80s action films, a Cobra sequel might have found a receptive audience today.

Conclusion

The story of the almost-made Cobra sequel offers a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. While we'll never see Stallone reprise his iconic role as Lieutenant Marion Cobretti in a direct continuation, the project's unrealized potential continues to intrigue fans. The reasons for its cancellation, a confluence of creative and financial factors, highlight the challenges faced in bringing even successful franchises to the big screen. This cancelled crime thriller sequel, while never realized, remains a testament to the complexities of Hollywood movie production.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the unrealized Cobra sequel? Share your speculation and what-if scenarios in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation about Sylvester Stallone and this almost-made crime thriller sequel going. Do you think a Cobra sequel would have been a success? Let us know!