The Crime Thriller Sequel Stallone Almost Made: A Look At What Could Have Been

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

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The Original Film's Success and the Sequel's Genesis

Cobra's Box Office Domination and Critical Reception

The original film, Cobra, released in 1986, starred Sylvester Stallone as Lieutenant Marion Cobretti, a tough-as-nails detective taking on a violent criminal organization. Its success laid the groundwork for a potential sequel.

• Box Office: Cobra grossed over $160 million worldwide on a relatively modest budget, proving its commercial viability.
• Critical Reception: While not universally lauded by critics, Cobra received positive attention for its action sequences, Stallone's charismatic performance, and its over-the-top style, cementing its cult classic status. Many critics praised the film's stylish violence and Stallone's commanding screen presence.
• Cultural Impact: The film's iconic imagery, including Cobra's leather jacket and .357 Magnum, contributed to its enduring presence in pop culture. Its influence can still be seen in subsequent action films. The film's success, therefore, suggested a strong potential for a sequel.

The strong performance of Cobra, both financially and culturally, made a sequel seem like a natural progression. The question then became, what would a Cobra sequel entail?

Stallone's Involvement and Creative Vision for the Sequel

Stallone's Potential Role in the Sequel

While details about a Cobra sequel remain scarce, it's widely believed that Sylvester Stallone had a significant role planned.

• Directorial Role: Stallone, known for his hands-on approach to his projects, was likely to direct the sequel as well as star in it.
• Scriptwriting Involvement: It's highly probable he would have been heavily involved in the scriptwriting process, ensuring his unique style and vision were at the heart of the narrative.
• Potential Plot Points: Although concrete plot details are unavailable, it's plausible that the sequel would have seen Cobretti facing a new, even more formidable threat, perhaps a more sophisticated and politically connected criminal organization. This would have allowed for escalation in terms of action and stakes.

Unfortunately, concrete evidence of Stallone's detailed plans for the sequel remains elusive. However, his past involvement in other franchises suggests a strong desire to deliver a worthy follow-up.

Reasons Behind the Sequel's Cancellation

The Unseen Barriers to Production

The reasons for the Cobra sequel's cancellation remain shrouded in some mystery, but several factors likely played a role.

• Studio Interference: Studio executives may have had creative differences with Stallone's vision, leading to disagreements over budget and script.
• Creative Differences: Stallone's known preference for a specific tone and style might not have aligned with the studio's expectations for a commercially successful sequel.
• Budget Concerns: The cost of producing a major action film in the late 80s and early 90s was considerable, and cost overruns might have led to the project's abandonment.

The exact interplay of these factors remains unclear, but the combined effect ultimately resulted in the cancellation of what could have been a significant addition to the action genre. The lack of clear documentation surrounding the project's demise only adds to the allure of the “unmade sequel”.

Speculation: What Could Have Been

A Hypothetical Cobra Sequel

What might a Cobra sequel have looked like? Let's engage in some informed speculation.

• Audience Reception: Based on Cobra's initial success, a sequel likely would have appealed to action movie fans seeking over-the-top violence, memorable characters, and a stylish aesthetic.
• Box Office Prediction: Given Cobra's performance, a well-executed sequel could have easily grossed over $200 million, potentially even more, considering the inflation-adjusted value.
• Stallone's Career Impact: A successful sequel could have solidified Stallone's position as a leading action star, potentially influencing his career trajectory significantly.

The lost opportunity to witness a second installment in the Cobra universe is a significant "what if" in Sylvester Stallone's filmography and action cinema in general.

Conclusion

The unrealized Stallone crime thriller sequel remains a fascinating case study of a project's potential and its demise. From Cobra's initial success and Stallone's likely involvement to the unresolved factors leading to its cancellation, the story holds a certain intrigue. Speculation about what this sequel could have offered – a bigger box office draw, a more solidified place in action film history, and the potential impact on Stallone's career – only enhances the mystery. Discuss this unrealized Stallone crime thriller sequel in the comments below! Share your thoughts on what could have been for this almost-made Stallone movie! What elements would you have liked to see in the lost Stallone crime thriller?