Photo: B Wetcher/MGM/Warner
Sylvester Stallonemight not be returning toCreed III, but star and directorMichael B. Jordansays his “essence and his spirit” will always be part of the franchise.
Jordan and Stallone starred together in the previousCreedmovies, which follow Jordan as Adonis, the son of Stallone’s Rocky’s rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed. A rep for Stallone, 74, recently confirmed he won’t be part of the third movie, and Jordan explained why in a new interview.
“I think that Sly let it be known that he wasn’t coming back for this one but I think, you know, his essence and his spirit… there’s always going to be a little bit of Rocky within Adonis,” Jordan, 34, said in an interview withIGN. “But this is aCreedfranchise, and we really want to build this story and this world around him moving forward.”
He continued, “So, it’s always respect and always a s—-ton of love for what he’s built, but we really want to push and navigate Adonis forward and the family that he created. So, hopefully, you guys will love what I’m thinking… what we’re cooking up. I think it’s going to be something special.”
Creed III, which is set for a Nov. 23, 2022 release, has locked Jordan in for his directorial debut.
Alongside reprising his role and directing,PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alivewill also produce the film,THRpreviously reported in March.
“This franchise and in particular the themes ofCreed IIIare deeply personal to me,” Jordan added. “I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the same responsibility of being its director and namesake.”
Tessa ThompsonandPhylicia Rashadare also expected to reprise their roles, according toTHR.
source: people.com
