Creed (film series)
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| Creed (film series) | |
|---|---|
| Title | Creed |
| Director | Ryan Coogler (1), Steven Caple Jr. (2–3) |
| Producer | Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff, Sylvester Stallone, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Charles Winkler |
| Writer | Ryan Coogler (1), Aaron Covington (1), Sylvester Stallone (2), Juel Taylor (2), Zach Baylin (3), Keegan-Michael Key (3) |
| Starring | Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Sylvester Stallone (1–2), Florian Munteanu (2–3), Jonathan Majors (2), Mila Davis-Kent (3) |
| Music | Ludwig Göransson (1), Joseph Shirley (2–3) |
| Cinematography | Maryse Alberti (1), Kramer Morgenthau (2), Kramer Morgenthau (3) |
| Editing | Michael P. Shawver (1), Claudia Castello (1), Dana E. Glauberman (2), Saira Haider (2), Jessica Baclesse (3), Tyler L. Cook (3) |
| Studio | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, New Line Cinema, Chartoff-Winkler Productions |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Released | 2015–2023 |
| Runtime | 407 minutes (total) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | Total (3 films), $135–155 million |
| Gross | Total (3 films), $696.2 million |
Creed (film series). The *Creed* film series is a sports drama franchise and a spin-off from the iconic *Rocky* series, centering on Adonis "Donnie" Creed, the son of former heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Initiated by director Ryan Coogler, the series follows Adonis's journey from an aspiring fighter to a world champion, navigating legacy, family, and personal identity under the mentorship of the retired Rocky Balboa. Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the films have been critically acclaimed for revitalizing the boxing genre, earning numerous accolades including an Academy Award nomination for Sylvester Stallone.
Plot
The narrative begins in *Creed* with Adonis Creed traveling to Philadelphia to seek training from Rocky Balboa, leading to a pivotal title fight against Liverpool's champion Ricky Conlan. *Creed II* sees Adonis confronting the legacy of his father's death by facing Viktor Drago, son of Ivan Drago, the Soviet boxer who killed Apollo Creed, culminating in a dramatic bout in Moscow. In *Creed III*, a retired Adonis is drawn back into the ring to settle a personal score with his former friend and rising contender Damian Anderson, exploring themes of past trauma and rivalry outside the shadow of the *Rocky* franchise.
Cast and characters
Michael B. Jordan stars as the protagonist Adonis Creed across all three films, with Tessa Thompson portraying his love interest and later wife, singer Bianca Taylor. Phylicia Rashad appears as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo's widow, while Wood Harris plays trainer Tony "Little Duke" Evers. Sylvester Stallone reprises his role as Rocky Balboa in the first two installments, serving as a mentor. Key antagonists include Tony Bellew as Ricky Conlan, Florian Munteanu as Viktor Drago, and Jonathan Majors as Damian "Dame" Anderson. *Creed III* introduces Mila Davis-Kent as Adonis and Bianca's deaf daughter, Amara Creed.
Production
Development began after Ryan Coogler conceived the idea, with Sylvester Stallone and producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff endorsing the project. The first film was shot in Philadelphia and Liverpool, with Ludwig Göransson composing the score. For *Creed II*, director Steven Caple Jr. took over, filming in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Budapest. *Creed III* marked the directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan and was the first in the series not to include Stallone's character; it was shot primarily in Atlanta with cinematography by Kramer Morgenthau. The production companies involved include Chartoff-Winkler Productions and New Line Cinema.
Release
*Creed* premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in November 2015 before a wide theatrical release. *Creed II* was released in November 2018, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. *Creed III* debuted in March 2023, breaking box office records for a sports film opening. The series has also been released on home media platforms and streaming services, with the first film notably screened at the Sundance Film Festival.
Reception
The series has been a major critical and commercial success. The first film received widespread acclaim, with particular praise for Michael B. Jordan's performance and Ryan Coogler's direction, earning a Golden Globe Award for Stallone. *Creed II* also performed well, though some critics found it more formulaic. *Creed III* was praised for Jordan's direction and the performance of Jonathan Majors, achieving the highest opening weekend in the franchise. Collectively, the films have grossed nearly $700 million worldwide and have been nominated for awards including those from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Screen Actors Guild.
Future
While a direct sequel has not been officially greenlit, potential future projects have been discussed. Michael B. Jordan has expressed interest in continuing Adonis Creed's story, possibly focusing on his role as a trainer or father. Spin-off ideas have been rumored, including projects centered on the Drago family or other characters from the *Rocky* universe. The franchise's enduring popularity with audiences and its successful expansion of the cinematic universe established by John G. Avildsen's original *Rocky* suggest further installments remain a strong possibility.
Category:American film series Category:Sports drama film series Category:Boxing films