Earlier this year it was announced that Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” franchise of films would be getting another installment in the form of a spin-off with the iconic actor, writer, and director reprising his role as the famous boxer Rocky Balboa. However, it will not be the square-jawed “Italian Stallion” donning the fighting gloves this time.
The spin-off, titled “Creed,” will instead focus on the grandson of boxer Apollo Creed from the original films. Fans know Apollo, played by actor Carl Weathers, and his epic fights with Balboa in the first two movies. Later, the character was tragically killed in Rocky IV when facing off against the Russian fighter Ivan Drago.
Apollo’s grandson, Adonis Creed, will be portrayed by actor Michael B. Jordan. Jordan is well-known for his role as a teenage drug-dealer on the HBO series The Wire. He also starred in All My Children, Friday Night Lights, and Parenthood, and has been chosen to play Johnny Storm – the “Human Torch” – in the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
Creed will focus on Adonis following in the footsteps of his late grandfather with the now-retired Rocky Balboa as his trainer and mentor. In the original movies, Rocky and Apollo feuded after Creed defeated Balboa in the first film, followed by Rocky’s comeback victory in the second. After this, the two became friends before Apollo was killed.
Stallone will not be leading this entry, with the script being co-written by Aaron Covington and director Ryan Coogler. It looks like filming will return to Philadelphia, the birthplace of Rocky, at least for outdoor shoots. The idea for the film was pitched by writer and director Coogler to Stallone and Jordan, who both liked the idea and decided to go forward with it. Coogler worked with Jordan previously on the film Fruitvale Station.
So far, we know of a few other new characters in the movie. These include Adonis’ deaf sister, a man named Joe who co-owns Mickey’s gym and runs it with Rocky, a potential romantic interest for Adonis, and a Hispanic trainer named Marcel.
Production of Creed is set to begin in January 2015.
“Rocky” sure has seen better days. Give it up, Stallone. You’re a has-been.
SYLVESTER WILL NEVER BE A HAS BEEN!….WHAT ARE YOU MEL??? A NEVER BEEN…..
very poor choice of words,Mel.this this time he is supporting the Good old friend Apollo Creed. appreciate it and show some respect,for the man has been a revolution for millions.
Don’t need to be rude yes it’s time for him to pass the torch but he is NOT a has – been.
i can’t believe you can say that about Stallone he is a absolute genius. he turned a scrip that he wrote into one of the best most watched sports movies ever made which not only made a killing but also turned him in to a household name and one of the top male leads of his generation. Most people could learn more from a lunch with him than we could spending an entire week at work.
anything to do with stallone reprising the role of rocky balboa is worth watching in my opinion..can’t wait!