We all know that Sylvester Stallone is not a part of Micheal B. Jordan’s Creed 3. So, the question arises: Will we see Rocky Balboa making his return in future Creed projects? It’s highly unlikely that the Italian Stallion will appear on the big screen again. And the upcoming Creed instalment is better off without him. How? Let’s find out!
Fans have witnessed Rocky undergoing significant character development over the years despite the sequels not turning out as mesmerising as the first film (1976). We can take Rocky Balboa (2006) as an exception here because it is the only great sequel in the Rocky franchise. It showed the Italian Stallion in his fighting form for the first time since 1976. The rest of the sequels were nothing except “cash grab tools” for MGM.
Then, we saw Balboa as a secondary character in the Creed series. He mentored Adonis, the illegitimate son of rival-turned-friend Apollo, and made him the boxing star he is now.
Creed Barely Took Rocky’s Story Forward
As we have mentioned above, Rocky is nothing more than one of the secondary characters in the first two Creed films. He trains Donnie and helps him find his way into the boxing world. Yes, the franchise has successfully honoured Rocky’s legacy so far. But in the end, it all comes down to Donnie. The Creed series is about his journey. How long can Rocky guide him? Besides, Balboa said “it’s your time” to Adonis in the final moments of Creed 2. It proves that the time has come for Donnie to step up and take full control of his story. If we wrap all this up, we will find that Creed did not add much to Rocky’s story.
Also, Creed 2 concluded Rocky’s arc in the best and most satisfying manner possible. Not many characters in Hollywood have been lucky in this department, especially after being a part of subpar sequels.
Creed 3 Doesn’t Need Rocky
Michael B. Jordan has become a globally prominent figure now. People know all about his acting talent and roles in movies, including Black Panther (2018). And we all know that Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror is MCU’s next big baddie after Thanos. These two gentlemen are enough to make Creed 3 a blockbuster. The forthcoming instalment doesn’t need Stallone, even just for the sake of nostalgia. He must return only if the story adds something meaningful to the character of the legendary Rocky Balboa.
However, Stallone has made it quite clear that he won’t return to play Rocky. It sounds heartbreaking. But it also makes sense.
Undoubtedly, Adonis Creed is a worthy successor to the Rocky franchise. And the character treasures all the potential in the world to outgrow the original protagonist. But it all comes down to Jordan and how well he handles the Creed series. Yes, honouring Rocky’s legacy is good and also crucial. But, it is also important for the actor and director to move out from the Italian Stallion’s shadow and stand on his own.
Michael B. Jordan’s Creed 3 will hit the theatres on March 3, 2023. Stay tuned for more updates.