Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Steve Austin and Randy Couture toughen up Comic-Con

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Stallone, Austin and Lundgren toughen up Comic-Con

SAN DIEGO — It started with chants of “Rocky, Rocky,” and ended with Sylvester Stallone accepting accolades Thursday from the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the most successful sports franchise in film history: “Rocky.”

Stallone and a cast of tough guys came to Comic-Con to present their new movie, “The Expendables.”

Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Randy Couture and Dolph Lundgren appeared alongside Stallone, the film’s writer, director and star.

As Crews was introduced, he unbuttoned his shirt and made his pec muscles dance. He later did the same with his biceps.

The former football star described the film as “the manliest movie ever made” in which the actors did their own stunts and the fight scenes were real.

Austin broke Stallone’s neck during one scene, sending the star to the hospital for surgery.

Lundgren, who sent Stallone into intensive care when they made “Rocky IV” together, said he was thrilled to work with the filmmaker again and be part of such a big, tough cast.

“It was a great experience for me,” he said, “one that only comes along once in your career.”

Bruce Willis popped by unannounced to thank Stallone for casting him in a cameo role in the film. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also makes an appearance in the movie.

Near the end of Thursday’s hourlong presentation, a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records presented Stallone and Lundgren with plaques marking their record-breaking achievement.

Stallone said he had planned to retire after concluding his “Rocky” franchise with 2006’s “Rocky Balboa.”

But after the success of that film, and “Rambo,” which followed, he said he “got greedy again” and wrote “The Expendables,” which opens next month.

Comic-Con continues through Sunday at the San Diego Convention Center.

Online:

www.comic-con.org

expendablesthemovie.com/