It seemed as if Adonis’s and Rocky’s character arcs were concluded in the lastCreedfilm, which ended on a satisfying note that sent them off either improving their relationships with family or making amends with arch-rivals. Michael B. Jordan is set to star and direct the upcomingCreed III, and although there are numerous opportunities for the star to showcase his talents in the titular role yet again, the 3rd chapter doesn’t appear to be necessary.
2015’sCreedwas a monumental success when first released that revamped a sort of dying franchise. It injected new life into the Rocky universe and acted as a sequel/spin-off combination centering around Adonis Creed, the son of former champion Apollo Creed, who is an up-and-coming boxer looking to pave his own path and prove he can live up to the name he carries.
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Director Ryan Coogler (who would go on to directBlack Panther)introduces these rich themes of legacy and loss and what it means to stand on your own with such care and emotion that it is easy to fall in love with this story the same way audiences did back in 1976. From the impressive 0ne-shot boxing scenes that put viewers right in the ring with the fighters to the fully-realized characters who deliver some incredibly raw and honest performances (especially from Sylvester Stallone), Coogler creates something very authentic and grounded that gives this underdog film a huge heart and soul to it all.
2018’sCreed IIstrives to do the same, which meant keeping this world and these characters on a very ground level that’s opposite from what many of us saw in previous Rocky installments (Rocky IVin particular). It serves as a sequel toCreedand alsoRocky IVthat ties up multiple storylines. Although it brings in established characters like Ivan Drago and can fall into the formulaic/predictability trap,newcomer director Steven Caple Jr.tries to follow Coogler’s footsteps by portraying these characters with greater depth while also tying their arcs up on a satisfying note.
The Dragos, once depicted as a silly opponent for Rocky, are transformed into fleshed-out characters and are not just seen as the main villains. Audiences can really feel where Ivan and Viktor are coming from and why the fight with Adonis means so much. So when the announcement was made that aCreed IIIwould definitely be happening, uncertainty began to escalate even more.
Character Arcs Concluded
Under Rocky’s guidance, Adonis is able to cement himself as a rising star during the climactic fight inCreedby lasting 12 rounds with reigning champion “Pretty” Ricky Conlan. He proves that he can live up to his father’s greatness and not feel rejected by his glory, earning respect from many, including Conlan.
InCreed II, Adonis truly begins to forge his own career. He defeats Danny “Stuntman” Wheeler to win the World Heavyweight Champion and stand tall at the top of his game, but once again, the father-son relationship is explored to a greater extent as Adonis now has to face the son ofIvan Drago, the man who killed Apollo in the ring years earlier (as shown inRocky IV). Although Adonis feels he needs to get his much-needed revenge against the Dragos, as the film progresses, he begins to realize the importance of family, legacy, and what it means to fight for something other than himself (fighting for the family he now has).
Caple Jr. does a great job tying in plotlines from previous films and not only wrapping up Adonis' boxing journey but Rocky’s and the Dragos' arcs as well. Ivan Drago throws the towel to end the final match, understanding the greater importance of mending his relationship with Viktor rather than getting revenge for his family’s legacy. Rocky passes the torch to Adonis and connects with his son who he hasn’t seen in years while also meeting his grandson for the first time. Adonis visits his father’s grave with his family, introducing his daughter to her grandfather and reassuring Apollo that it was his fight to fight.
Down A Familiar Road
After interweaving much of this series in with previousRockyfilms, especially by bringing back the Dragos, another worry is that the series will continue to follow down that same road and bring back the son of another famous Rocky foe such as Clubber Lang to fight Adonis. Many feel that the emotional weight and history the Dragos brought can not be topped and that that was Adonis' biggest challenge he’d have to overcome.Rising star Jonathan Majorshas been in talks to play Adonis' nemesis, leading many to already theorize he could potentially be the son of Clubber Lang. Regardless of who Majors will play,Creed IIImay feel like just another formulaic rehash.
RockyandRocky IIboth delivered gritty underdog stories with tons of heart, but the films that followed begin to become a parody of themselves as they introduced cheesy plots and characters (although entertaining) to gain audiences' appeal. The films began to lose touch with what made the original so great in the first place.
Big Shoes To Fill
Like Adonis, Michael B. Jordan has big expectations to live up to. Making his directorial debut, there seems to be a lot of hopefulness yet plenty of doubt regarding if he can keep this next film at a grounded level like the two previous directors and also carry the story on his own as the main star (Since Stallone will not be returning to play Rocky). Although he has much experience working with fantastic filmmakers, stepping into such a big role in such an iconic series might be too overwhelming for him.
Everyone needs to start somewhere, though, and playing this character for a few years now and learning from the legend that started it all, Jordan could possibly offer a fresh take on this story and produce something that fans still haven’t seen, even if this will be the 9th film in theRocky/Creeduniverse.
