How Creed III stepped out of Rocky Balboa's shadow to redefine a franchise
In short: Creed III marks a significant departure for the long-running Rocky franchise. As the first installment without Sylvester Stallone appearing on screen, the film explores a darker, more personal narrative. Directed by star Michael B. Jordan, it blends intense boxing drama with anime-inspired choreography to secure its own cinematic legacy.
Released in 2023, Creed III represents a pivotal moment for the series. Michael B. Jordan, who portrays the protagonist Adonis Creed, made his directorial debut with this project. The film follows Adonis as he confronts his past in the form of Damian Anderson, a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy played by Jonathan Majors. Their relationship, forged in a group home and fractured by a violent incident in 2002, serves as the emotional core of the story.
The production process was marked by a shift in creative philosophy. Sylvester Stallone, who produced the film but did not reprise his iconic role as Rocky Balboa, expressed reservations about the film's darker tone. Stallone, who has been critical of producer Irwin Winkler regarding the ownership of the Rocky character, preferred a more sentimental approach. Conversely, Jordan sought to delve into the complexities of Adonis's early life, resulting in a narrative that emphasizes personal trauma and the psychological weight of the past.
Technically, the film broke new ground by becoming the first sports movie to utilize IMAX-certified Sony CineAlta Venice cameras alongside the Panavision anamorphic format. Jordan also drew inspiration from anime series like Hajime No Ippo and Dragon Ball Z to craft the film's distinct fighting sequences. This stylistic choice, combined with a strong performance from Majors, contributed to the film's critical success and its status as the highest-grossing entry in the Creed series, earning $276.1 million worldwide.
Looking ahead, the success of Creed III has paved the way for further expansion. Both Jordan and Winkler have confirmed that a fourth installment is in active development. Despite the creative tensions surrounding the production, Jordan has expressed a desire to continue the Creed-verse, suggesting that the franchise will continue to evolve beyond the established boundaries of the original Rocky films.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Creed III
- Also: Creed III
- Also: Wikidata — Creed III: The Soundtrack · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-creed-iii.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
