Sylvester Stallone got his big break in Hollywood with the 1976 sports film ‘Rocky.’ It spawned several sequels later on. Many years later, a spin-off titled ‘Creed‘ was made with Michael B. Jordan playing Apollo Creed’s son. Stallone played a supporting role in the film and its sequel, but not in ‘Creed III.’
The film has hit the theatres and fans are still wondering why and how is Stallone not a part of the film. It also marks the first in the entire franchise to not feature him. However, the actor has pointed out in several interviews why he did not wish to be a part of the third installment.
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Why Sylvester Stallone Didn’t Do ‘Creed III’?
‘Creed III‘ has hit the theaters and has received mostly positive reviews from critics. However, people are really missing the presence of Sylvester Stallone in the film. In fact, it’s the first film in the entire ‘Rocky‘ and ‘Creed‘ franchise to not feature him.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said: “It was taken in a direction that is quite different than I would’ve taken it.” He said the film has a “different philosophy” that comes from Irwin Winkler and Michael B. Jordan.
Further adding: “I wish them well, but I’m much more of a sentimentalist. I like my heroes getting beat up, but I just don’t want them going into that dark space. I just feel people have enough darkness.”
Apart from the creative differences, Stallone also has a long battle with ‘Rocky‘ producer Irwin Winkler over ownership rights of the franchise. He has slammed Winkler in his Instagram posts.
In case you missed: Its Never Gonna Happen: Sylvester Stallone On Rocky Copyright Dispute
Michael B. Jordan Directed The Third Installment
Michael B. Jordan, who plays Adonis Creed in the series, donned the director’s hat as Ryan Coogler (director of the first two) was busy making ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’
At the film’s premiere, the 36-year-old actor talked about his personal journey with the franchise. “This is a character I’ve played three times over the last nine years of my life — very transformative years, the last nine years of my career and personal life,” Jordan said.
He added that “as an actor, you look for opportunities to bring a piece of yourself to your role, and work out some of your shit in the process,” something which he got to do with this franchise.
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