Michael B. Jordan honored a Rocky franchise tradition withCreed III, which he plans to continue with theupcomingCreed 4. Ever since Rocky Balboa, one of the most iconic characters in movie history, was introduced to audiences in 1976, there have been ninemovies in theRocky/Creedfranchise. The sixRockymovies follow the life of boxer Rocky Balboa, who was portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. However, after a miraculous return in 2006’sRocky Balboa, it was clear that the actor could no longer believably play an active boxer.
TheRockyfranchise was presumed dead for many years, but was revitalized in spectacular fashion with 2015’sCreed. TheCreedmovies have followed the life of Jordan’s Adonis Creed, who is the son of Rocky’s longtime friend Apollo Creed. Stallone once again portrayed Rocky Balboa in the first twoCreedfilms, but decided not to return forCreed III.Stallone not appearing inCreed IIImade it clear that Jordan was the future of the franchise.Jordan directedCreed IIIand will also directCreed 4, continuing a longstanding franchise tradition.
Michael B. Jordan Directing Creed III Reignited A Sylvester Stallone Tradition
Sylvester Stallone Directed Several Rocky Movies
The firstCreedmovie was directed by Ryan Coogler andCreed IIwas helmed by Steven Caple Jr. However,Michael B. Jordan made the ambitious choice to both star in and directCreed III. Not only wasCreed IIIthe first movie Jordan directed in the series, but it also served as his directorial debut. Adonis Creed was a much more mature person inCreed III, which made it the perfect movie for Jordan to step into the role of director, as he had the chance to prove that he was more than just a leading man.
93%
70%
65%
39%
32%
78%
95%
83%
Creed III (2023)
89%
By directingCreed IIIand the upcomingCreed 4, Jordan is continuing theRockytradition of the star also directing movies in the series. Years before Jordan joined the franchise,Stallone directed four of the sixRockymovies that he starred in. John G. Avildsen directed the first and fifth entries in the series, but Stallone directedRocky II,Rocky III,Rocky IV, andRocky Balboa. In doing so, Stallone cemented himself as not only a leading man, but also a skilled director.
Michael B. Jordan’s Direction Elevated Creed III And Added Something Fresh To It
Creed III Proved That Michael B. Jordan Is A Talented Director
The first twoCreedmovies were both highly-praised, well-directed films, butJordan’s direction brought something different toCreed III. Jordan had clearly been paying close attention to other directors he’s worked with leading up toCreed III, as the film is an extremely impressive directorial debut. TheCreedmovies have been applauded for telling very personal stories, andCreed IIIcontinued this trend. The story ofCreed IIIfollows Adonis, who ends up getting challenged by his childhood friend, Damian.
Jordan’s anime inspiration made the final boxing match between Adonis and Damian one of the most unique and best fight scenes in aRockyorCreedfilm.
Before the release ofCreed III, Jordan claimed that he was inspired by anime when directing boxing scenes for the film. Jordan’s anime inspiration made the final boxing match between Adonis and Damian one of the most unique and best fight scenes in aRockyorCreedfilm. For a large portion of the fight, the audience at Dodger Stadium is completely removed so that the movie can solely focus on the two fighters. By doing this,Jordan successfully made Adonis vs. Damian feel like one of the most personal fights in the entire franchise.
Michael B. Jordan Directing Creed IV Continues A Rocky Trend
Michael B. Jordan Will Direct The Next Movie In The Creed Series, As Well
Jordan proved that he is a skilled director withCreed III, which makes him the perfect choice to directCreed 4. After the success ofCreed III, it would have been disappointing if Jordan decided not to direct the fourth film in the series. Clearly,Jordan enjoyed directingCreed IIIand wants to add even more to the franchise with the next movie in the series. By directingCreed 4, Jordan is perfectly following in the footsteps of Stallone.
Creed 4’s Perfect Story Means The Rocky Franchise Is Far From Over And Can Continue For Multiple Sequels
Creed 4 should significantly change the franchise by having Adonis Creed train a younger boxer, rather than have him fight yet another opponent.
Stallone had a huge impact on theRockymovies, and is one of the main reasons the franchise is as iconic as it is. Stallone loved the character and franchise so much that he felt the desire to direct several films in the series.It is obvious that Jordan has the same amount of passion for the franchise that Stallone did, which makes it likely thatCreed 4will be just as successful asCreed III.
Creed III
Cast
Creed III marks the directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan, who returns as his Rocky character Adonis Creed. In the sequel to 2018’s Creed II, Adonis’ life is going well both inside and outside the ring. But when Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) is released from prison, he makes an enemy of his childhood friend. Tessa Thompson returns as Adonis’ wife, Bianca, along with Phylicia Rashad as his mother, Mary-Anne Creed.
