Almost three years ago in 2015, a film premiered that was never expected but absolutely welcomed all the same: a spinoff sequel of the six-part sports drama epic “Rocky” that was started by Sylvester Stallone. “Creed” meanwhile focuses on Adonis Creed, son of Rocky Balboa’s rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed. Directed by Ryan Coogler, “Creed” was a critical and box office success, spurring clamor from audiences for a sequel. A “Creed II” was planned, only for director Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan to be called to join Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther”. With that done, the two can finally resume Creed’s story.
Entertainment Weekly tells us that MGM and Warner Bros. have finally decided to start the promotional ball rolling for the somewhat delayed but still hotly anticipated sequel to 2015’s “Creed”. This Tuesday, June 19, they released on social media the first poster for “Creed II”, and it was attention-grabbing in all its stark simplicity. Shot only in black and white, the image is of Michael B. Jordan in bare-chested glory as Adonis Creed, geared for a boxing match and wearing the familiar Creed red-and-white striped trunks. The accompanying caption appears to be the upcoming film’s initial tagline: “Know his name”.
While Ryan Coogler is also part of the project, it is no longer as director but as executive producer, with his former duty now filled by Steven Caple Jr. The first preview of “Creed II” also includes a brief blurb on its plot, based on a script written by Sylvester Stallone himself. Following the events of the first film, “Donny” (Jordan) has his life on a holding pattern, trying to balance between personal obligations and preparing for his next big boxing match. Little does he and trainer Rocky Balboa (Stallone) expect that their next challenge is a shadow connected to the past, Rocky’s and Apollo’s.
Said shadow from the past is none other than Ivan Drago, Balboa’s opponent in “Rocky IV” portrayed by Dolph Lundgren, who reprises the role; he is accompanied by his son and heir to his sporting legacy. Drago Jr.’s name has not been revealed but he will be played by real-life pro boxer Florian Munteanu, similar to how British slugger Anthony Bellew was cast as the antagonist boxer in “Creed”. More than just Donny’s next big fight, this confrontation is also a journey to rediscover what it means to be a champion, and confronting the past.
Other than Jordan and Stallone, Tessa Thompson is also coming back as Donny Creed’s love interest Bianca. MGM and Warner Bros. are also announcing the first trailer for the film, to be revealed this Wednesday, January 20. “Creed II” has yet to be given a premiere date as of now.
Image courtesy of Hollywood Life
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