Why Stallone Isn’t in Michael B. Jordan’s Creed 3: The Shocking Truth!

In the latest installment of the Creed series, Adonis Creed faces a formidable opponent without the guiding presence of Rocky Balboa. This noticeable absence has sparked various inquiries: why is Sylvester Stallone not involved? Michael B. Jordan, taking on the role of director for the first time, sheds some light on this decision.

For the third movie, Jordan has chosen to portray Adonis’s story from a fresh perspective. “Creed III comes at a perfect time. I’m at a point in my life where I’ve gained enough maturity, both personally and professionally, to carve out my own narrative. I’ve learned a lot from Ryan Coogler [director of Creed, Black Panther, and Sinners], and more recently from Denzel Washington, among other filmmakers I respect,” he explained during the beginning of the shoot.

The actor-turned-director, who recently won an Oscar for his role in Sinners, added, “The Creed saga deeply resonates with me. I’m eager to unveil the next chapter in Adonis Creed’s story, now wearing the hats of both director and lead actor, which is a tremendous responsibility.”

By taking the helm, Jordan also aimed to emerge from the shadow of Rocky and Sylvester Stallone. “I know Sly revealed that he wouldn’t return for Creed 3, but you know, the spirit and essence of Rocky will always be part of this saga. There will always be a bit of Rocky in Adonis Creed,” he stated in an interview with IGN in April 2021.

He further clarified, “However, this is a Creed franchise. We really wanted to build this story and universe around Adonis to allow him to move forward, to step out on his own.” Michael B. Jordan did not forget to express his admiration for Sylvester Stallone and his iconic role: “We have a lot of respect for everything he has built. Now, we want to focus on Adonis and his family. And I think the audience will love what we’re preparing. It’s going to be a truly special episode.”

Sylvester Stallone’s Stance

On his part, Sylvester Stallone has openly expressed his disagreement with the direction taken by Michael B. Jordan. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November 2022, the actor stated clearly, “I will never watch Creed III. It’s the classic move. They pick and choose bits of Rocky here and there without even consulting me or asking if I want to be involved.” Stallone also referenced the announcement of a Drago spin-off, which is still considered to be in development.

The actor showed bitterness regarding his role in the franchise: “I’m not the executive producer of the Creed films. Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan are. So are the children of Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. Not mine. I’m the only one left out.”

The animosity between Stallone and the rights holders of the Rocky franchise isn’t new. In August 2022, he took to Instagram to attack Irwin Winkler: “After sucking the blood out of Rocky to the last drop, Irwin Winkler, Hollywood’s most hated, least talented, most decrepit producer and his cowardly children have found their next victim… Drago?”

Regarding the plot of Creed III and the rivalry between Adonis and Damian (Jonathan Majors), Stallone once again expressed his disagreement: “It’s a regrettable situation because I know what it could have been. They took a direction completely opposite to what I would have taken.”

He summarized his vision: “It’s a different philosophy, that of Irwin Winkler and Michael B. Jordan. I wish them luck, but for my part, I’m much more of a sentimentalist. I like my heroes to take a beating, but I don’t want them to go to that dark place. I think the audience sees enough darkness already.”

An Open Door for the Future

Despite these differences, Michael B. Jordan doesn’t completely shut the door on Rocky’s return in Creed IV. “I think there’s always a possibility that Sly, that Rocky, could come back. It’s one of those amazing things about this character. His return would make sense in any story, as everything originates from the world of Rocky,” he shared with Sports Illustrated in March 2023.

As for whether Sylvester Stallone will agree to return despite the creative differences and rights disputes, the mystery remains.

In the meantime, fans can catch him in the series Tulsa King, available on Paramount+.

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