Ivan Drago is one of the most recognisable characters in sports movies, and now a spin-off movie based on the iconic Russian boxer is in the works.
The Wrap reports that the film will focus on Drago and his son Viktor, who was introduced in 2018's 'Creed 2'.
The script will be written by unknown screenwriter Robert Lawton, who impressed MGM studio bosses with his spec script 'Becoming Rocky', and now the writer will be tasked with fleshing out the famous Ivan Drago.
Drago was first introduced to audiences in 1985's 'Rocky IV', with the film widely regarded as the peak of cinema as an art form.
Rocky faces off against the towering Russian boxer, and faces perhaps his most challenging and bruising fight against the literal man mountain.
Drago returned to the series in 2018's 'Creed 2', and introduced his son Viktor.
Last year, Lundgren told The Hollywood Reporter that a spin-off was in the works, saying "I think there’s some talk about doing a whole spinoff on Drago with MGM. So you may get more of that."
Fans of the 'Rocky' franchise will have to wait a bit longer for the next installment in the iconic boxing franchise, with 'Creed 3' being pushed from a November 2022 release date to March 2023.
Star Michael B. Jordan is directing the third film in the well-regarded 'Creed' franchise, which follows Adonis "Donnie" Creed, the son of the late Apollo Creed.
Apollo Creed met his end at the hands of Ivan Drago in 'Rocky IV', and 2018's 'Creed 2' saw the sons of the two boxers face off in a rematch.
'Rocky IV' was the most successful film in the original 'Rocky' franchise from a financial standpoint, making a whopping $825 million dollars adjusted for inflation.
Dolph Lundgren has forged a solid career as a Hollywood action man, with the brainy Swede actor (he has a masters in chemical engineering, don't you know) appearing in cult classics like 'Red Scorpion' and 'Masters Of The Universe' and more recently has appeared in the likes of 'Aquaman' and 'The Expendables' movies.
No word yet on a release date for 'Drago', but we'll be undergoing a 'Rocky IV' style training montage in the entertainment.ie offices to prepare for release.
