‘Creed’ 3 Michael B. Jordan explains why Sylvester Stallone isn’t returning as Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone’s character Rocky Balboa has been a fan favorite since the release of the original “Rocky” film in 1976. Stallone played the character in all seven of the main “Rocky” films, with the most recent being “Creed II” in 2018. However, it was announced in 2019 that Michael B. Jordan’s character Adonis Creed would be the lead in the third installment of the “Creed” series, titled “Creed III,” and that Stallone would not be returning as Rocky Balboa.
There are a few reasons why Stallone may not be returning as Rocky Balboa in “Creed III.” One possibility is that the filmmakers simply wanted to focus on Adonis Creed’s story and give him more of a leading role. The “Creed” films are a spin-off of the “Rocky” franchise, and they follow the story of Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky’s former rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed. In the first two “Creed” films, Rocky serves as a mentor and trainer to Adonis, and while he played a significant role in the films, they were ultimately centered on Adonis’ journey as a boxer.
Another reason Stallone may not be returning as Rocky Balboa in “Creed III” is that the filmmakers may have wanted to explore the character’s arc in a different way. In the previous “Rocky” and “Creed” films, Rocky has always been a mentor and trainer, but in “Creed III,” the filmmakers may have wanted to show him in a different light or focus on other aspects of his life. It’s also possible that Stallone simply wanted to take a break from the franchise or move on to other projects.
It’s worth noting that Stallone has not completely ruled out the possibility of returning to the “Rocky” franchise in the future. In an interview with Variety in 2019, he said, “I’ll always be there for ‘Rocky,’ because ‘Rocky’ will always be a part of my life.” However, for now, it seems that “Creed III” will focus on Adonis Creed and his journey as a boxer, with Stallone not returning as Rocky Balboa.
Regardless of Stallone’s absence, “Creed III” is sure to be a highly anticipated film, with Michael B. Jordan reprising his role as Adonis Creed and Ryan Coogler returning as the film’s director. The film is set to be released on November 23, 2022, and fans are excited to see what new twists and turns the story will take.
Even though Sylvester Stallone will not be reprising his role as Rocky Balboa in “Creed III,” the film is still expected to be highly anticipated by fans. This is due in part to the fact that Michael B. Jordan will be returning to star as Adonis Creed, the main character of the “Creed” series. Jordan’s performance as Creed in the previous two films has been well received by audiences and critics, and many are excited to see what he brings to the character in the third installment.
In addition to Jordan, “Creed III” will also see the return of Ryan Coogler as the film’s director. Coogler directed the first “Creed” film and co-wrote the screenplay for the second, and his work on the franchise has been highly praised. His involvement in “Creed III” adds an extra level of excitement for fans, as they know they can expect a high-quality film with strong storytelling and compelling characters.
Overall, “Creed III” is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the “Creed” franchise. While Stallone will not be returning as Rocky Balboa, Jordan and Coogler’s involvement ensures that the film will still be filled with strong performances and engaging storytelling. The film is set to be released on November 23, 2022, and fans are eager to see what new twists and turns the story will take.
