Few sequels are as wholly misguided as Rocky V, a film so out of step with the rest of the series that Stallone had to write, direct and star in an additional sequel 16 years later, Rocky Balboa, just to paper over the cracks and actually give his most beloved screen character the send-off he deserved. Rocky V, which was promoted at the time as the finale to the series, was a massive disappointment both critically and commercially, deviating from the format of the previous films and opting for a "street" approach to boxing, which didn't go down well at all. Stallone himself expresses disappointment with it, with many noting the absurdity of Rocky being able to come back at the last minute and best the far younger Tommy Gunn in the film's final fight. Incredulously, it could have been even worse, though; the original ending had Rocky being beaten to death in the street by Gunn. Rocky might be brain damaged and broke by the end of Rocky V, but at least he ain't dead.