Sylvester Stallone Reveals the ‘Most Fun’ He Ever Had on a Movie – You Won’t Believe Which One

When fans think of Sylvester Stallone’s legendary career, the first images that come to mind are probably the grit and determination of Rocky or the relentless intensity of Rambo. But even for an actor known for his tough-guy roles, Stallone has had his moments of levity—and none more so than his time spent filming the 1984 musical comedy Rhinestone. Despite mixed reviews and a surprising genre detour, Stallone looks back on the experience fondly, calling it “the most fun” he ever had on a movie.

Stallone and Parton’s Unlikely Pairing

Rhinestone paired Stallone with country music icon Dolly Parton in a story loosely inspired by the 1975 hit song “Rhinestone Cowboy.” Parton played a Nashville singer who, in a high-stakes bet, attempts to transform Stallone’s brash New York cab driver into a credible country music star. The fish-out-of-water premise set the stage for a playful, if unexpected, dynamic between the two leads.

In recent reflections, Stallone recalled the joy of working alongside Parton. “The most fun I ever had on a movie was with Dolly Parton on Rhinestone,” Stallone said. He praised her warmth, humor, and natural talent, but he also acknowledged that the film itself ended up far removed from its original vision.

From Grit to Glitter

Stallone revealed that Rhinestone was originally conceived as a grittier, more grounded story. “The director was supposed to be Mike Nichols,” he noted, referencing the celebrated filmmaker behind The Graduate. Stallone imagined a project set in the rough-and-tumble streets of New York, with the music reflecting a “bizarre edge.” He even approached the rock band Whitesnake to collaborate on the soundtrack, which he believed would create a unique blend of genres alongside Parton’s contributions.

But the production took a sharp turn when director Bob Clark stepped in. Known for comedies like A Christmas Story, Clark guided the movie into a more broadly comedic direction—one that didn’t quite align with Stallone’s instincts. “The film went in a direction that literally shattered my internal corn meter into smithereens,” Stallone admitted, referring to the over-the-top tone and lighthearted gags that became central to the final cut.

Lessons Learned

While Rhinestone remains a curious entry in Stallone’s filmography, the actor is candid about what he would do differently if given the chance. “I certainly would’ve steered clear of comedy unless it was dark, Belgian chocolate dark,” he said. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he suggested that audiences expect a certain kind of performance from him and that lighthearted comedy just wasn’t a natural fit.

In hindsight, Stallone also expressed a desire to explore more independent films between his larger projects. “I also should’ve done many more indie films in between the large ones,” he remarked, noting that such roles might have helped keep him grounded as an artist.

A Whimsical Highlight

Despite its flaws, Rhinestone remains a unique—and surprisingly personal—chapter in Stallone’s career. The experience of working with Dolly Parton and exploring an entirely different genre left a lasting impression, even if the end product didn’t land as he’d hoped. For Stallone, Rhinestone was a moment of creative experimentation, a learning experience, and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun.