"Creed 2" is finally moving forward with Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) himself at the helm. Stallone announced via Instagram that he would be directing, producing, and starring in the much-anticipated sequel, starring Michael B. Jordan as protagonist Adonis Creed.
On Monday, Stallone uploaded an old picture of himself and Jordan on his account with the caption: "Looking forward to directing and Producing The incredibly talented Michael B Jordan in CREED 2 next year ... One more Round!"
Ryan Coogler directed the first installment in the "Creed" series from a script he co-wrote with Aaron Covington, according to CBR. It served as a spinoff of the original "Rocky" series, featuring an aged Balboa (Stallone) teaching Adonis, the son of his former rival and friend Apollo.
"Creed" performed beyond expectations both critically and in the box office, grossing $173 million worldwide from a $40 million budget.
Following the success of the film, Coogler's involvement has remained unclear, as he was hired by Marvel Studios to direct and co-write its upcoming "Black Panther" film. In early 2016, Stallone conceded that the director might be gone for a couple of years. He further added, "So there will be a quandary on: Do we work with another director and have Ryan produce, or do we wait?"
It may be disappointing for some not to have Coogler onboard, but Stallone is more than qualified for the gig. First, he knows the franchise better than anyone, and he is no stranger to directing films. He wrote and starred in all six "Rocky" installments, and directed some films including "Rocky" I-IV and "The Expendables."
The movie does not have a release date yet, but Movie Web claims it will begin production next February in Philadelphia. "Creed 2" will reportedly see a vengeful Adonis going toe to toe with the man who killed his father, suggesting Ivan Drago's (Dolph Lundgren) return.
Milo Ventigmilia — who played Rocky's son, Robert, in 2006's "Rocky Balboa" — may also appear in the sequel, as he previously expressed his interest in reprising his role. However, that remains to be confirmed.
