Carl Weathers had never boxed before Rocky (1976) and during his audition, Weathers was asked to spar and read lines with the screenwriter (Sylvester Stallone), whom he didn't realize was also the star of the film. After hearing the writer's mumbling, Weathers told:“If you get me a real actor, I could do a much better job,” which impressed Sylvester Stallone enough to cast him.Instead of being offended, Sylvester Stallone was instantly convinced that Weathers had the exact "arrogance" and "trash