In Creed III, Rocky Balboa will not play the same role he did in previous Rocky movies, but that doesn't mean the Creed sequel will completely ignore Sylvester Stallone's character. 1976's Rocky told a self-contained story that culminated in Rocky Balboa's loss against Apollo Creed. Yet, the original movie spawned no less than eight sequels, including the Michael B. Jordan-led Creed trilogy, which releases its third installment in 2023.
The Creed movies fulfill two purposes: first, they tie the blossoming legacy of Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed to that of his father; and second, they conclude the legendary career of Rocky Balboa. Creed and Creed II have focused on the birth of a new legend as much as on the end of another, proving that every ending brings a new beginning. While it was always obvious that Rocky Balboa would eventually retire from the silver screen, the biggest question was how soon that moment would come.
Having reconciled with Apollo Creed's tragic fate through his son Adonis and having made peace with Ivan Drago both directly and through his son Viktor, Rocky is finally ready to move on. This represents a satisfying completion of his arc, raising the question of whether future appearances would be necessary. Coupled with what the main franchise protagonists have said about the issue, the character's return in Creed III currently looks unlikely. Here's what is known about Rocky's prospective role in Creed III.
What Sylvester Stallone Has Said About Rocky In Creed 3
Sylvester Stallone first revealed that he would no longer play Rocky Balboa in 2018 (via IGN). In April 2021, he reiterated on Instagram that we wouldn't appear in Creed III, and his rep soon confirmed it (via THR). Then, one year later, in June 2022, Sylvester Stallone once again confirmed that Rocky Balboa won't be in Creed III, explaining that the third installment goes "in a different direction", which makes it appropriate for him to "bow out" of the sequel. Considering how Rocky made it very clear to Adonis at the end of Creed II that it's the young fighter's time to be in the spotlight, Stallone may be more than satisfied with leaving the franchise on a positive note. His decision to leave Creed III sounds pretty definitive, to say the least.
What Michael B. Jordan Has Said About Rocky In Creed 3
Shortly after Sylvester Stallone confirmed that he wouldn't appear in Creed III in April 2021, Michael B. Jordan added that Rocky will step away from the franchise so Adonis can be able to build his own story, as Jordan and the team behind the Creed movies "really want to push and navigate Adonis forward and the family that he created." (via IGN). Interestingly, Michael B. Jordan will follow in Sylvester Stallone's footsteps as a director, as he will make his directorial debut with Creed III. Future sequels starring Adonis Creed are yet to be confirmed, but they wouldn't be unlikely.
Will Rocky Really Not Appear In Creed 3?
Sylvester Stallone has a history of threatening to kill off his characters, only to return for more appearances. He originally wanted to end the Rocky series with Rocky III, only to reignite the flame with the wildly successful Rocky IV and the poorly-received Rocky V. Then, Stallone planned to cap off the franchise with Rocky Balboa as a final farewell, only to come back and officially pass on the torch to a new fighter in Creed and Creed II. Something similar happened with Rambo and Expendables 3, which were supposed to end their respective franchises before Stallone agreed to return one final time.
However, there is little reason to justify Rocky's return in Creed III, as Rocky peacefully came to terms with his past and his own mortality — the perfect farewell for the iconic character. Even a small cameo in Creed III could undermine this sense of closure. That is not to say Creed III will avoid the character altogether. Undoubtedly, Rocky will continue to influence Adonis' journey just as much as Apollo, but just like Adonis' father, he will likely do so offscreen. Callbacks, brief mentions, and archive footage of Rocky can be expected in his absence.
Will Creed 3 Kill Off Rocky?
Sylvester Stallone almost killed off Rocky in Rocky V's final brawl fight, but he decided to rewrite the ending and continue the franchise well beyond the fifth installment. After all, the central theme of the Rocky franchise is the will to persevere. Therefore, it only makes sense that Rocky made it to the end of the franchise alive. While Rocky was weakened by his battle with cancer, he was able to witness the fruits of his efforts as a mentor in Creed II's ending, thus avoiding the trope of the old hero's death, which has grown in popularity in recent years with the death of heroes such as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Wolverine in Logan. Stallone already avoided this trope in Rambo: Last Blood, where Rambo rides into the sunset after his final battle, which underlines Rambo's fate to forever be the last man standing.
Likewise, it's appropriate to let Rocky live the rest of his life in peace, but away from the spotlight. Of course, Creed III could also mention that Rocky has passed away, and his death would probably end up playing a major role in the outcome of Adonis Creed's biggest fight so far. Either way, the franchise will never stray away from the legend that kickstarted it all. Fortunately for Rocky fans, Stallone has been working on adjacent ideas such as a Rocky prequel series, which could provide new opportunities to witness the iconic fighter put on the gloves once again.
