Sylvester Stallone, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars, has spoken out in defense of his 1993 film Demolition Man, calling it a timeless piece in his body of work. Known widely for his roles in franchises like Rocky and Rambo, Stallone emphasized that this particular movie remains relevant and compelling despite being released almost three decades ago.
Co-starring Wesley Snipes, the movie follows Stallone’s character, John Spartan, who wakes up in a future society after being cryogenically frozen for decades. He is the only one who can stop Simon Phoenix, a dangerous criminal recently escaped from a futuristic prison, setting the stage for intense confrontations and a clash of vastly different eras.
The Challenges and Successes Behind Making ‘Demolition Man’
Demolition Man achieved commercial success, earning $159 million at the box office, firmly establishing itself as one of Stallone’s prominent 1990s hits alongside films such as Cliffhanger and Copland. Critics responded positively as well, with the film maintaining a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, the movie’s production was anything but smooth.
Originally, Steven Seagal was slated to play the lead character John Spartan before Stallone’s involvement. Meanwhile, Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme both declined the villain role, which eventually went to Wesley Snipes after considerable effort from producer Joel Silver and director Marco Brambilla to secure his participation. Early into filming, co-star Lori Petty was replaced by Sandra Bullock, causing delays and necessitating reshoots that contributed to a nearly $100 million budget for production and marketing.
Reflecting on the set experience, Stallone revealed the difficulty of performing some of the film’s most dangerous stunts himself, highlighting the practical effects and physical risks involved.
Stallone on the Film’s Production and His Stunt Experiences
Stallone praised the practical set design of Demolition Man, noting how it brought realism to the scenes and created unique challenges. He described two particularly risky stunts he performed during filming, underscoring the physical danger involved. The first involved a giant mechanical claw powered by hydraulics that could unpredictably move and inflict injury. The second involved a stunt where Stallone was frozen inside a thick plexiglass tub, which was slowly filling with warm oil, risking suffocation if not timed properly.
“I thought the set design was brilliant. It was what we call a practical set. Those things really worked. Those are the two most dangerous stunts I’ve ever done, is the one with that giant claw… Sometimes the hydraulics would go sideways and the strength of those metal claws would tear you up.” Sylvester Stallone, Actor
“And the other thing is, when they froze me originally, and they put me in this round tub [with] thick plexiglass, you couldn’t break it with a sledgehammer. And they started pouring in warm oil, and it’s filling up, and it’s supposed to cut. If it goes longer than 30 seconds, it’s going to go to here [point to his mouth], and you can’t get out.” Sylvester Stallone, Actor
Stallone’s Remarks on Wesley Snipes’ Performance
Stallone also commended Wesley Snipes for his energetic and memorable portrayal of Simon Phoenix. He noted Snipes’s dynamic fighting skills and commitment to the role, which added intensity to the film’s action sequences. Stallone appreciated Snipes’s wild and unpredictable character style, which balanced well against his own role as the determined protagonist.
“Wesley was wild, he’s a wild man, very energetic, good fighter. When we were doing kicks, I wore a plate, I could feel it, and it was good, he really dug down there and gave a very memorable character. He was good, he was at the top of his game then.” Sylvester Stallone, Actor
The Lasting Appeal and Cultural Impact of ‘Demolition Man’
Although often overshadowed by Stallone’s more famous franchises, Demolition Man stands as a film that continues stirring interest due to its unique take on a dystopian future and its entertaining blend of action and social commentary. Its exploration of a sanitized society versus chaotic individualism remains timely, contributing to its enduring status.
Stallone’s pointed observation about the film’s “gentilization of society” highlights how the movie’s depiction of behavioral changes in future citizens is reflective of real societal trends, adding a level of prescience rarely seen in action films of its era. This thematic depth, combined with the movie’s thrilling action and memorable performances, suggests its importance within Stallone’s filmography will likely grow over time.
