Rocky (and, by extension, Rocky II) tells one of the greatest underdog stories in cinema history. But with audiences clamoring for more of “The Italian Stallion,” how could writer/director/star Sylvester Stallone build upon Rocky Balboa’s story after he has achieved the ultimate goal of claiming the heavyweight championship? The answer lies in the characters themselves.

With 1982’s Rocky III, Stallone ups the personal stakes for the titular hero, while also continuing to follow how the relationships between the core characters evolve. Buoyed by appearances from professional wrestler Hulk Hogan and Mr. T as Rocky’s nemesis, Clubber Lang, as well as a hot soundtrack, the movie perhaps marks the series’ biggest success to date.

Writer Jeannette Miller joins us to discuss how Rocky III continues the series’ character-focused storytelling. We’ll discuss why it switches up the structure of its predecessors, how it mirrors Stallone’s own life and career, and which character relationship might be the series’ best. So start pumping Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and get ready to enter the ring once again.

Even decades after its release, 1976’s Rocky stands as the ultimate cinematic underdog story. But following its critical acclaim, box office performance, and awards wins, it’s only natural that everything involved — including star and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone — would explore what happened next in the lives of Rocky, Adrian, Paulie, Mickey, and of course, Apollo.

Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast and Back To Bluey joins us to talk about how 1979’s Rocky II expands on the original film. We’ll discuss whether the movie undercuts its predecessor with a Rocky and Apollo rematch, how the movie cements Stallone as the primary creative force of the franchise, and whether the film successfully justifies Rocky’s return to the sport.

Join us as we step back into the ring with Rocky and his crew for a sequel that dares to push boundaries. With Rocky II, Stallone sharpens the stakes to focus on the theme of redemption and hones in on the emotional journeys of both Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. It’s a can’t-miss entry in a franchise that still has so much more ground left to cover.