In the film, the Soviet Union and its top boxer make an entrance into professional boxing with their best athlete
Ivan Drago, who initially wants to take on world champion Rocky Balboa. Rocky's best friend Apollo Creed decides to
fight him instead but is fatally beaten in the ring. Enraged, Rocky decides to fight Drago in the Soviet Union to
avenge the death of his friend and defend the honor of his country.
Sylvester Stallone as Robert "Rocky" Balboa, "The Italian Stallion": Beloved Heavyweight Champion of the World
Talia Shire as Adrian Balboa: Rocky's wife and support through his boxing career.
Burt Young as Paulie Pennino: Rocky's friend and brother-in-law.
Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed: Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, and close friend to Rocky.
Brigitte Nielsen as Ludmilla Vobet Drago: Wife and supporter of Ivan Drago, and Olympic swimming champion. In
real-life Nielsen was engaged to Stallone during the production, and married shortly after the release. They were
divorced in 1987.
Dolph Lundgren as Captain Ivan Drago: the Soviets' prize Champion boxer "The Siberian Express" and a Soviet Army
infantry captain
Tony Burton as Tony "Duke" Evers: Apollo's father-figure, friend, trainer and manager, who becomes Rocky's
trainer for his match against Drago.
Michael Pataki as Nicolai Koloff: Trainer, promoter, and manager of Ivan Drago.