Action star Sylvester Stallone appears to be lacking faith in the boxing franchise “Creed” after recently calling the third installment of the sports drama film a ‘regretful situation’ for the ‘Rocky’ franchise, which starred himself. “Creed III” stars Primetime Emmy-nominated actor Michael B. Jordan in what marks his directorial debut.
In a recent cover story for The Hollywood Reporter, Stallone spoke on not reprising his role as Rocky Balboa in the upcoming movie set to hit theaters in March of next year, sharing, “That’s a regretful situation because I know what it could have been,” before adding. “It was taken in a direction that is quite different than I would’ve taken it.”
The legendary actor found breakthrough fame following the release of his 1976 screenplay “Rocky,” which portrayed a Philadelphia boxer. The project was a success earning Stallone an Academy Award for “Best Picture” at the 49th annual event in 1977. The franchise spawned five more films, with the last one released in 2006, titled “Rocky Balboa.”
Nine years later, the actor returned to the ring when he reprised his role for the Ryan Coogler-directed movie “Creed” and its sequel “Creed II.” “It’s a different philosophy — [producer] Irwin Winkler’s and Michael B. Jordan’s,” Stallone said of the film. “I wish them well, but I’m much more of a sentimentalist. I like my heroes getting beat up, but I just don’t want them going into that dark space. I just feel people have enough darkness.”
Fans were unhappy with the actor’s comments and quickly took to social media to defend Jordan, including one supporter who wrote, “Sounds like Rocky should change his name to Salty… “You can’t make a Rocky sequel just because you want your children to have a job.” – Ironic, as he cast his own son in a sequel.”
Another added, “Why would a Rocky fan see Creed if Stallone has no involvement? Did anyone wake up looking to see what Michael B Jordan thought the Rocky franchise could be?”
Regarding his exclusion, Stallone seemingly suggested that he was strategically left out, citing a previous incident with Winkler. The actor said that despite his success, he had never received rights to the “Rocky” film, even when he asked Winkler.
“I’m not an executive producer on the ‘Creed’ movies,” he shared. “Ryan Coogler is. Michael B. Jordan is. [Winkler and fellow producer Robert Chartoff’s] children are. Not mine. I’m the only one left out.”
Jordan has yet to respond to Stallone’s comments.
