Ali
“Creed 3” was always a given – Michael B.Jordan directing the film is definitely news though.
The “Friday Night Lights” and “Black Panther” alum will wear the captain’s hat on the third instalment of MGM’s “Rocky” spin-off series. The studio announced today that “Creed 3”, again starring Jordan as hot-shot fist-smasher Adonis Creed alongside Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad, will release theatrically thanksgiving 2022.
No word if Sylvester Stallone will reprise his role as Rocky Balboa in the picture. Sly had said previously that he won’t be doing any more “Creed” films but that his Italian Stallion would return in a new solo film.
Script is by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin, based on an outline by Ryan Coogler, with Irwin Winkler again producing.
Said Michael De Luca, MGM’s Film Group chairman, and Pamela Abdy, MGM’s Film Group president, “Michael’s vision for Creed III is incredibly exciting and will undoubtedly be an important contribution to the cannon of this storied franchise. We are thrilled to bring his directorial debut, and share this next chapter in the Creed story, to theaters next year.”
Said Jordan: “Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right. Creed III is that moment — a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally, and learning from the Greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment. This franchise and in particular the themes of Creed III are deeply personal to me. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the awesome responsibility of being its director and namesake.”
Said Winkler, “I cannot overstate how thrilled we are to have Michael directing the third film in the Creed series. His commitment to this character has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we know that will extend to his role behind the camera at the helm of this great new installment.”
“The films of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise have always been important to me and my family. It was an honor to help bring the Creed franchise to life with Sly, Michael, Tessa, Irwin, and all the creative parties involved. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see Mike in the director’s chair on the third installment. The team at Proximity and I are excited about the story Keenan and Zach have crafted and can’t wait to help bring it to life,” stated producer Ryan Coogler.
“Creed 3” will open via United Artists Releasing November 23, 2022.
