United Artists reportedly wanted Redford, Ryan O’Neal, Burt Reynolds or James Caan; this is defended as plausible studio thinking rather than ideal casting.
O’Neal is rejected as too handsome and WASPy.
Caan as Rocky with Keitel or Cazale as Paulie is imagined.
Caan and Reynolds are challenged as too established; the unknown Stallone makes the audience root for the real performer too.
Ken Norton reportedly withdrew from Apollo before Carl Weathers took the role.
Stallone reportedly wanted Harvey Keitel for Paulie.
Carrie Snodgress reportedly left Adrian over money; Cher and Susan Sarandon auditioned, with Sarandon judged too pretty.
Lee Strasberg reportedly wanted too much money to play Mickey.
