Creed Breaking Rocky 2's Rematch Formula Saved Michael B. Jordan's $660 Million Franchise
Creed's step away from the Rocky movie's rematch formula helped to carve the $660 million trilogy series into its own unique and prosperous franchise.
The second Creed spin-off movie is the eighth installment in the Rocky franchise, continuing the story of both Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. After rising to the top of the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) comes to face to face with Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), the man who killed his father Apollo in Rocky IV. Tempted with a grudge match against Drago's son, Creed 2 sees Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) coach Adonis against his most dangerous opponent yet.
Creed's step away from the Rocky movie's rematch formula helped to carve the $660 million trilogy series into its own unique and prosperous franchise.
Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history. This is the sequel to 2015's Creed, which was a spinoff of the Rocky film franchise that introduced audiences to Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Johnson, son of Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone reprised his iconic Rocky Balboa character and earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance. The Rocky series started in 1976, when the original movie was a box office hit and won Best Picture at the Oscars. It was followed by five sequels, beginning with Rocky II in 1979. The third and fourth installments were released in 1982 and 1985, respectively, and Rocky did not return until 1990's Rocky V. Widely seen as the worst of the series, its reception left a bitter taste in Stallone's mouth, inspiring him to come back for one more round in Rocky Balboa, which debuted in 2006. Creed was the brainchild of director Ryan Coogler, who pitched the idea to Stallone and got him onboard. The film saw Rocky move into a mentor role as he trained Adonis, who was looking to follow his late father's footsteps and become a great fighter. Creed was a box office success and earned the best reviews the series had seen in decades, which prompted interest in a sequel. Coogler will not return to direct due to his commitment to Marvel's Black Panther, so Stallone is handling writing and directing responsibilities. Creed 2 will see the return of Dolph Lundgren's Ivan Drago, the villain in Rocky IV who killed Apollo in the ring. Want to know more about Creed 2?
Michael B. Jordan says Creed 3's fight scenes have an anime influence, and this can push the fights of the Rocky and Creed movies to new heights.
From Balboa and Drago in Rocky to Barney and Gunnar in Expendables, here’s every Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren movie ranked worst to best.
After returning for Creed II, Dolph Lundgren is set to star as Ivan Drago in a Dragon spinoff movie — but is that what the Rocky franchise needs?
The proposed Rocky Drago spin-off will supposedly feature Ivan and Viktor Drago. However, this focus actually wastes the best story opportunity.
Dolph Lundgren will reprise his most iconic character for the upcoming Rocky spin-off Drago, and here's how it can complete his best character change.
Given how cinematic Kendrick Lamar's albums are, it's no surprise that his songs have found their way in several fictional narratives.
In Creed III, Adonis and Amara's relationship should be similar to Rocky and Robert's. Adonis will have to decide what truly matters most.
While it acts as a clear continuation of Rocky IV's story, Creed II actually manages to pay homage to almost every Rocky movie in varying degrees.
Michael B. Jordan's Adonis Creed has already had an impressive boxing career. Here's what his record was, including all his wins and losses.
Creed 2 saw Sylvester Stallone return as Rocky Balboa for the final time, but here's why the sequel was his least enjoyable acting experience.
Creed 3 star Tessa Thompson shares throwback behind-the-scenes images from the previous two movies as she celebrates her first day on set.
Sylvester Stallone's Rocky IV director's cut restores Ivan Drago's dialogue so the Russian fighter's personality emerges and syncs with Creed II.
Despite Sylvester Stallone declaring Creed 2 to be Rocky's final appearance, history has shown he's bad at retiring - and will return for Creed 3.
The Rocky & Creed film saga spans 42 years of Rocky Balboa's adult life. Here's how old The Italian Stallion is in all 8 of his movie appearances.
Creed 2 did a great job humanizing Dolph Lundgren's Ivan Drago after Rocky IV, but there was a key scene cut from the movie that should have stayed.
Without Remorse sees Michael B. Jordan headlining a spinoff of the Jack Ryan movies, a strategy that worked when he starred in Rocky spinoff Creed.
Things didn't work out for Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, but Sylvester Stallone once revealed that the original fate for the Soviet boxer was way darker.
The Creed movies pay tribute to the past by incorporating numerous Rocky characters, from Stallone's title role to smaller figures like Ludmilla.
Cobra Kai has been a hit since it arrived on Netflix. But with only 20 episodes, the question is: what movies to watch next? Here are a few options.
Creed 2 featured the return of Dolph Lundgren's hulking Ivan Drago but the movie's key Russian dinner scene transformed him into a human being.