If there was one movie franchise the boxing fraternity has connected with, it’s the iconic Rocky series. Moreover, Hollywood superstar, Sylvester Stallone, who played the lead character, Rocky Balboa, is often considered one of the best boxers on the silver screen. Meanwhile, the Creed series, a spin-off based on the life of Adonis Creed, also received a lot of praise from fans. Notably, the character Creed is the son of Balboa’s rival turned friend, Apollo Creed. However, it was reported that Stallone will not be a part of the third installment of the series. And in a recent interview, he opened up about the same.
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Creed III is scheduled to be released on March 3, 2023. Moreover, the movie, which is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, will also have notable boxers like Canelo Alvarez in currently undisclosed roles.
But, Stallone, who was an integral part of the series, will not be returning for the third installment. Meanwhile, he was recently on an interview with James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter.
Sylvester Stallone opens up about Creed III
In conversation, Stallone was asked if it would be weird for him to see Creed III without being in it.
Stallone responded by saying, “That’s a regretful situation because I know what it could have been. It was taken in a direction that is quite different than I would’ve taken it. It’s a different philosophy — Irwin Winkler’s and Michael B. Jordan’s.”
American actor Sylvester Stallone strikes at a punching bag in a boxing ring while his coach, Burgess Meredith (1908 – 1997), watches during training at a gymnasium in a still from the film, ‘Rocky,’ directed by John G. Avildsen, 1976. Stallone wears a ‘WIN “ROCKY” WIN’ T-shirt. (Photo by United Artists/Courtesy of Getty Images)
American actor Sylvester Stallone strikes at a punching bag in a boxing ring while his coach, Burgess Meredith (1908 – 1997), watches during training at a gymnasium in a still from the film, ‘Rocky,’ directed by John G. Avildsen, 1976. Stallone wears a ‘WIN “ROCKY” WIN’ T-shirt. (Photo by United Artists/Courtesy of Getty Images)
Moreover, he further added, “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.”
From what Stallone said, it can be speculated that the superstar is deeply hurt to have left the series.
Stallone’s ownership war
Stallone strongly believes that the Rocky/Creed producer, Irwin Winklaar, is holding back a lot of the financial stake in the series. And even went on social media with some choice words for Winklaar.
He said, “After Irwin controlling ‘Rocky’ for over 47 years, and now ‘Creed’. I really would like to have at least a little [of] WHAT’S LEFT of my rights back.”
Stallone also mentioned that he wishes to leave a part of the series for his children.
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What are your thoughts on Stallone leaving the Creed series? Do let us know in the comments below.
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Edited by
Arijit Saha