The best Sylvester Stallone performances can already make you cry, so This Is Us might deliver a one-two punch in Season 2. The breakout NBC drama has tapped the Rocky icon for a paternal Season 2 role – yes, as himself.

NBC and This Is Us bosses revealed the news at Season 2’s TCA press tour panel, noting that Stallone would play himself as co-lead of a war movie Kevin (Justin Hartley) is working on. Stallone will also serve as a mentor and father figure to Kevin in the one-episode appearance, though the door is open for a more recurring presence in Season 2. Also worth noting – though the two aren't likely to share screentime – is that Milo Ventimiglia played Stallone’s son in 2006’s Rocky Balboa.

Elsewhere of This Is Us Season 2, executive producer Dan Fogelman confirmed in the panel that the September 26 premiere will pick up with the kids’ 37th birthdays, and provide “a big giant piece of the puzzle” with regard to Jack (Ventimiglia)’s death in the past. Other Season 2 guest stars include That ‘70s Show mom Debra Jo Rupp and Wonder Years dad Dan Lauria.

It’s certainly a rare TV appearance for Stallone, whose last broadcast gig was said to be that of a Rambo reboot. He’s popped up in other places; executive producing Netflix’s Ultimate Beastmaster, working on a mob drama with Antoine Fuqua and hawking Tecate beer, but will This Is Us Season 2 start a trend?

Stay tuned for more from the September 26 premiere.

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