Even though the firstCreedmovie was a massive success, writer and director Ryan Coogler did not return to directCreed II. TheRockyfranchise began in 1976 with Sylvester Stallone playing the titular boxer. Throughout the 70s and 80s,Rockybecame one of the most popular movie franchises in the world. Stallone returned to the role for 2006’sRocky Balboa, but this film acted as Rocky’s swan song as a boxer. Therefore, after 2006, it was unclear if there was ever going to be another movie in the series.
2015’sCreed, which follows Adonis Creed, the son of fan favorite character Apollo Creed, completely revitalized theRockyseries.Reviews forCreedwere outstanding upon its release, and the film currently has an impressive score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes (viaRotten Tomatoes). In fact,Creedis the highest-ratedRocky/Creedmovie. The cast ofCreedincludes Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad.Creedwas so successful becausewriter/director Ryan Cooglermanaged to tell a deeply emotional story that honored theRockyfranchise. However,Coogler did not return to direct the sequel, 2018’sCreed II.
Ryan Coogler Didn’t Direct Creed II Because Of “Timing”
Ryan Coogler Clearly Loved Making The First Creed Movie
Even though Coogler was applauded for his work on the firstCreedfilm, he did not return to write and directCreed II.In an interview withVarietyin 2018, Coogler revealed that he didn’t directCreed IIbecause of timing. AfterCreed, Coogler started working onBlack Panther, so he was busy with the Marvel movie while the sequel was being filmed. However, even though he was quite vague,Coogler also hinted thatCreed IIwas rushed by the studio to have a 2018 release date. Read Coogler’s full comment below:
I mean of course it was possible.Creedwas about my dad and me, so it’s a movie that I find difficult to watch. It’s difficult for me to even think about it, I’ve got so many emotional ties to it, not to mention you know how much I care about the people involved. I care deeply for Mike, obviously, deeply for Tessa, and I grew incredibly close with Sly in making that. These are people that I wanna see do well and win at all costs. There’s timing, and that film for whatever reason it had to go when it’s going. I think it’s a blessing that it’s going, man. It’s amazing that they found an incredible filmmaker in Steven Caple Jr., who’s a guy I actually went to film school with, who I have a lot of love and respect for. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.
It makes sense that the producers wantedCreed IIto be released not long after the first movie. After all,Creedmade over $174 million on a budget of just $35 million (viaBox Office Mojo). Therefore, the studios involved wanted to capitalize on the success of the spinoff franchise. However,it seems like Coogler would have been open to returning to directCreed IIif the timing worked out better. It is disappointing that Coogler couldn’t directCreed II, as it would have been great to see what he would have done with the sequel.
Steven Caple Jr. Directed Creed II (But Didn’t Return For Creed III)
Every Creed Movie Has Received Impressive Reviews
Since Coogler couldn’t return forCreed II,the sequel ended up being directed by Steven Caple Jr.Even though reviews forCreed IIweren’t as strong as the first film’s reviews, the movie still performed well with critics.Creed IIhas an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and earned over $214 million at the box office. Therefore, just like its predecessor,Creed IIwas a huge success, which made it clear that a third film in the series needed to be made. However, Caple Jr. did not return to directCreed III.
$174,167,581
95%
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Instead,franchise star Michael B. Jordan stepped into the director’s chair forCreed III. By directingCreed III,Michael B. Jordan continued a longstandingRockyfranchise tradition, since Stallone also directed multiple entries in the series.Creed IIIwas another commercial and critical success, which led toCreed 4being greenlit. Jordan will also directCreed 4, making him the first returning director in theCreedseries. Therefore, even though Coogler didn’t return to directCreed IIafter the praise he received from the first film, theCreedseries has still been incredibly successful.
Creed
TheCreedfranchise, a continuation of theRockyseries, centers on Adonis Creed, son of Apollo Creed, as he rises in the boxing world under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa. The series explores Adonis’s personal growth, relationships, and rivalries.Creed(2015),Creed II(2018), andCreed III(2023) combine intense boxing drama with character-driven storytelling, with Michael B. Jordan leading as both star and director of the latest installment. The series is praised for bringing new energy to theRockylegacy, with further sequels and spin-offs under consideration.
