In a move that may or may not shock some people, it was announced earlier this morning that Sylvester Stallone will be the newest addition to the In Conversation With… (ICW) series for TIFF 2023. Stallone joins an illustrious roster of cinematic superstars, including Pedro Almodóvar, Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-jun, and Andy Lau.
“The 2023 In Conversation With… series embodies our conviction that film possesses the remarkable ability to ignite perspectives and drive profound change,” said Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer. “We are truly thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Sylvester Stallone and this lineup of icons. This series promises to captivate film aficionados of all genres.”
The subject of the highly anticipated Netflix original documentary “Sly,” Sylvester Stallone is a towering figure in cinema history. As a writer, director, actor, and producer, Stallone’s journey has mirrored the inspirational trajectory of his cinematic creations. His screenplay for “Rocky” (1976) and his raw portrayal of the titular underdog propelled him to superstardom and Academy Award nominations for acting and writing. The film went on to inspire one of the most successful and enduring movie franchises of all time, with five sequels and the “Creed” (2015) spinoffs. Stallone introduced the world to Vietnam veteran John Rambo in “First Blood” (1982). The sequel “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (1985) solidified the character as an iconic action hero and spawned multiple follow-ups and video games. As a director, Stallone captured the spirit of the original Rocky films and brought further depth to his title character in “Rocky Balboa” (2006). He delivered the knock-out blockbuster “The Expendables” (2010), directing the most impressive cast of action stars ever assembled. Alongside these classics are standout roles in “Demolition Man” (1993), “Cliffhanger” (1993), “Cop Land” (1997), and as Dwight Manfredi in the hit television show “Tulsa King” (2022) that together showcase his range and charisma. Stallone joins us to consider his prolific career, immense contributions to the action genre, and enduring legacy behind and in front of the camera.
The 48th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 7th – 17th. The Special Presentations & Gala lineup for TIFF 2023 can be read here, along with the Documentary lineup here, the Platform programming here, the Discovery & Midnight Madness programming here, the Short Cuts programming here, the Centerpiece programming here, the Wavelengths and Classics programming here, the Primetime Series lineup here and the Industry Conferences here.
What do you think of this announcement? Are you planning on attending TIFF this year? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Twitter account.
