Honestly, it feels like we’ve been waiting forever to see what Sylvester Stallone would do after the massive success of Tulsa King. While everyone was busy arguing about whether a Cliffhanger sequel was actually happening—spoiler: it isn't, at least not with him—Sly was quietly filming something much grittier in the freezing streets of Philadelphia.
The movie is called The Epiphany.
It’s a title that sounds a bit more "preachy" than your average Stallone flick, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a Hallmark special. We’re talking about a hard-nosed, old-school police detective on the verge of retirement. He gets pulled into one last mess involving a serial killer who has some sort of twisted obsession with the Catholic Church.
What Really Happened With The Epiphany
Most people still think Stallone is gearing up for Cliffhanger 2. That project basically turned into a legal nightmare and a total reboot starring Pierce Brosnan instead. Stallone walked away from the mountain because of scheduling conflicts and some behind-the-scenes drama over producer fees.
So, he pivoted.
Instead of climbing rocks in the Alps, he’s hunting a murderer in Philly. The setup for The Epiphany is classic noir. Stallone plays a detective who has to team up with a much younger cop and—get this—a former priest. They are trying to track down a killer who is basically on a crusade, picking off people linked to a local church scandal.
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Why This New Film With Sylvester Stallone Is Different
If you’ve watched Alarum, which dropped in early 2025, you know Sly is leaning into "elder statesman" roles. In that one, he played a CIA veteran named Chester. It was... okay. A bit low-budget for some. But The Epiphany feels like it has more meat on the bones.
Directed by Will Eubank—the guy who did Underwater and that creepy Paranormal Activity reboot—the film has a specific, chilly vibe. It’s not just about gunfights. It’s about a guy dealing with his own past and a city that feels like it’s rotting from the inside.
The Cast and the Vibe
- Director: Will Eubank (He knows how to handle tension).
- Location: Philadelphia and Cleveland. It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s depressing. Perfect for a thriller.
- The Hook: A serial killer targeting the Church.
- The Conflict: Stallone’s character has his own "unsettled past" with the clergy.
The script comes from Katie Lovejoy and Russell Sommer. It’s a departure from the "invincible hero" trope. We are seeing a more vulnerable version of the action legend. Think more Cop Land and less Expendables.
The Cliffhanger Controversy (and Why It Matters)
You might see headlines saying Stallone is returning to the Dolomites. You shouldn't believe them. The "new" Cliffhanger is officially a reboot. A lawsuit filed by producer Neal Moritz basically laid it all out: the money wasn't there to guarantee Stallone’s fee, and his schedule with Tulsa King Season 3 made it impossible anyway.
That’s why The Epiphany is so significant. It is his big theatrical focus for 2026.
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While Tulsa King is great—and yes, Season 3 just finished its run late last year—there’s something about seeing Stallone on a big cinema screen that hits different. He’s 79 now. Most guys his age are worried about their lawn. He’s out there filming night scenes in Ohio and Pennsylvania in the dead of winter.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, 2025’s Alarum got shredded by critics. Like, 0% on Rotten Tomatoes shredded. It was rough. But The Epiphany is being handled by AGC Studios and has a more substantial creative team. It’s a detective story first, an action movie second.
The "buddy cop" dynamic with the younger officer and the ex-priest adds a layer of philosophy that you don't usually get when Rambo is on screen. It’s sort of a "Seven" meets "The Exorcist" vibe, minus the demons.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on this one, here is the deal.
Watch the release windows. While a specific date hasn't been plastered on every billboard yet, 2026 is the target. biopics like I Play Rocky (where Anthony Ippolito plays a young Sly) are also hitting theaters in late 2026, so it’s going to be a massive year for the Stallone brand.
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Don't expect Rambo. If you go in looking for a body count of 200, you'll be disappointed. This is a procedural. It’s slow-burn.
Keep an eye on streaming. Since Stallone has such a tight relationship with Paramount+ and Lionsgate, expect this to hit VOD pretty fast after the theatrical run.
How to Track the Production
- Check the trades (Variety, Deadline) for the first official trailer, likely dropping mid-2026.
- Ignore the "Lock Up 2" fan trailers on YouTube; they are all AI-generated fakes.
- Follow Stallone’s Instagram. He usually leaks his own set photos way before the studios do.
The bottom line is that Stallone is moving into a new phase. He's not trying to be the strongest guy in the room anymore. He’s trying to be the guy who’s seen it all and lived to tell the story. The Epiphany is his chance to prove he still has the dramatic chops to carry a heavy, dark thriller without needing a machine gun in every scene.
Check your local theater listings starting in late summer 2026. If you're a fan of the grit and grime of 90s thrillers, this is likely the one you’ve been waiting for. Keep your expectations grounded, but watch for that classic Stallone intensity.