Sylvester Stallone does not appear in Creed III, the third installment of the saga starring and directed, this time, by Michael B. Jordan. Although this has been known for a few months now, it is a relevant fact within the mythology of production. This franchise would not exist without the work that Stallone developed through rocky and his participation in the previous two films.
When you think of sports, boxing and cinema, one of the first references, perhaps only surpassed by wild bull (1980), is rocky. Among the many differences that can exist when reviewing each film, one of the most obvious is that the second one was imposed as a saga. After the first installment (1976), Sylvester Stallone worked on several more that did not have as much impact.
But rockythe first, with a script by Sylvester Stallone and direction by John G Avildsen, built its own space in the history of cinema. Not only because of the emotional impact that he generated, by telling the story of a man who surpasses himself until he comes close to his dream. but also because the Hollywood Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded that production in three categories: “Best Film”, “Best Director”, “Best Editing”.
believe premiered in 2015, already with Michael B. Jordan playing Adonis, the son of Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), a former rival and later friend of Rocky Balboa. The production served to revive a narrative universe that seemed stagnant. Creed IIlinked with rocky IVserved to strengthen the ties between both sagas.
However, already at that moment it seemed evident: Rocky’s influence, as a character, had given his all. Regarding this, Sylvester Stallone offered an interview in which he explained why he is not part of Creed III.
The reason why Sylvester Stallone
does not appear in Creed III
Although from a narrative perspective the departure of Sylvester Stallone can be understood, the actor is not in Creed III by personal decision. This, in turn, is related to Irwin Winklerwho has been involved in the production of deliveries of both rocky like believe. During an interview given to Men’s Healththe actor said:
“You can’t make peace with someone who has been so, so nefarious, in my opinion.”
Sylvester Stallone, to Men’s Health.
What is the story between Sylvester Stallone and Irwin Winkler? To understand it, you have to go back to 1976, the year it was released. rocky. At the time, Stallone’s financial situation was precarious. But he had an idea that, perhaps, was something more than that: it could be, deep down, an extraordinary proposal.
That idea was rocky. In need, Sylvester Stallone sold the rights to the work to Irwin Winkler for little money. The film was a success that has given, so far, and including the Creed saga, nine more productions. The problem? Due to the sale of rights, Stallone has only received payments for his performances and not for being the original author of this entire story.
Currently, rocky It is the most important sports franchise in cinema. It is positioned as an emotional story that describes part of “The American Dream”: starting at the bottom to reaching the top. From Creed IIIwhile Irwin Winkler is involved, Sylvester Stallone will not appear in it.
Creed IIIin addition to having Michael B. Jordan, also has Jonathan Majors as antagonist. Both play characters who have a common past and who, some time later, meet again and must resolve their differences in the ring.
Creed III It takes place at a time when Adonis Creed is already a recognized boxer, after two installments in which he had to fight his past and reach another level competitively. The champion, at present, is a man dedicated to his family until Damian (Jonathan Majors) appears in his life. He is an old childhood friend, with whom he shares a passion for boxing. At the time, he was seen as a prodigy. Filled with grudges and released from prison, Damian wants what Adonis earned in the ring.
The film was released in theaters on March 2.and you can read our review.