The screenplay for the movie "Rocky" was written by Sylvester Stallone. He wrote the screenplay in just three and a half days in 1975, shortly after watching a boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. Stallone was deeply involved in the project not only as the writer but also as the lead actor, insisting that he portray the title character despite offers to sell the script without him in the role. The film was directed by John G. Avildsen and became an iconic sports drama, winning three Academy Awards including Best Picture and popularizing themes of the American Dream and underdog triumphs in sports films.