In 2015 we were introduced to Adonis Creed, the son of boxing great Apollo Creed. Rocky Balboa mentored the son of his friend in the first movie and continued training him in the sequel. But according to reports Sylvester Stallone will not be returning as Rocky in Creed III and Michael B. Jordan explains why Rocky is not coming back.
Creed was released in 2015 and the world came to know the illegitimate child of Apollo. While he lived with Apollo’s wife, Adonis never claimed his father’s name, rather taking up his mother’s name. And in Creed he finally was able to take his father’s name and wear it proudly as he travelled all the way to England to take on the champ.
It was later announced that Creed III would be the directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan and the movie was slated for 2022 release. There are still some cast to fill out but we know Zach Baylin is writing the script but Sly will not be reprising his role as Rocky in the movie.
Michael B. Jordan Gives the Reason for Rocky’s Absence in Creed III
Creed III will be the directorial debut of Michale B. Jordan who has proven himself to be a massive draw at the box office. From villainous turn in Black Panther to an avenging husband in Without Remorse, the career choices of the actor has been varied and now he is adding the director’s feather to his cap.
In Creed III we will see the further development of Adonis as a father and a husband while also seeing what the boxing world has in store for him. In the past two movies, Creed has had the highest of highs, to the lowest of lows but despite it all he had his family and Rocky in his corner. He was fighting his own battles while helping Rocky with his medical issues.
But the third movie in the series will focus more on the Creed family. That is why there will be a Rocky size hole in the movie. According to Michael B. Jordan, the movie will “build this story and this world around [Adonis] moving forward.” And as per Sylvester’s own wishes, Rocky will not be making an appearance in Creed III.
Also Read: Michael B. Jordan Talks Turning Down Historical Figure Movies
Michael B. Jordan said during an interview with IGN, “I think that Sly let it be known that he wasn’t coming back for this one but I think, you know, his essence and his spirit… there’s always going to be a little bit of Rocky within Adonis.”
The actor went on to explain that this is the Creed franchise and that is where the story focus in going to be. Michael also paid respect to Sylvester Stallone and the people who were involved in making the legacy of the Rocky franchise, but they want to “navigate” the life of Adonis. “So, hopefully you guys will love what I’m thinking… what we’re cooking up. I think it’s going to be something special,” he said.
While it is true that Creed is an Adonis centered story, but it is still stemming from the larger Rocky franchise. So, it would be difficult to not see Rocky in the movie. Maybe they will kill him off at the start of the film or Creed III will explain away his absence as Rocky living with his son and his family.
At end of Creed II we saw Rocky reuniting with his estranged family. So, maybe he would not be willing to come back and step into a ring to train Apollo in the third movie. That could be a more palatable end to Rocky than a offscreen death.
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Aaron Paul Adonis Creed Creed Creed III Rocky Balboa
Last modified: April 13, 2021
