Michael B. Jordan Explains Why Sylvester Stallone Won't Be Returning as Rocky in CREED III

Not long ago, Sylvester Stallone confirmed that he would not be reprising his role as Rocky Balboa in Creed III. The journey of Rocky has ended, and while it’s sad, I can also understand the need for Stallone to put this character to rest.

Michael B. Jordan, who is set to star in and direct Creed III, is also ready to move on without Rocky at his side. During a recent interview with IGN, Jordan was asked why Stallone wasn’t returning and he explained that it’s time for the Creed franchise to stand on its own and focus on the story of Adonis Johnson.

“I think that Sly let it be known that he wasn’t coming back for this one but I think, you know, his essence and his spirit… there’s always going to be a little bit of Rocky within Adonis. But this is a ‘Creed’ franchise, and we really want to build this story and this world around him moving forward. So, it’s always respect and always a shit-ton of love for what he’s built, but we really want to push and navigate Adonis forward and the family that he created.”

The first two Creed films that have been made are great. I’ve enjoyed them and I’m looking forward to seeing the story of Adonis continue. I think Creed II did a great job of closing out Rocky’s story by connecting it to Rocky IV. They concluded his story in a meaningful and emotional way as he reconnected with his estranged son, played by Milo Ventimiglia.

Of course, I’ll miss seeing Rocky up on the big screen, but I’m definitely sticking around to see the journey of Adonis continue.

Creed III arrives in theaters on November 23, 2022.