Sure,Carl Weathers’s Apollo Creed was killed off inRocky IVway back in 1985. But a character’s death has never kept them from being resurrected on the big screen. And in discussing future plans forCreed 2, star and creator of theRockyfranchiseSylvester Stalloneclaims this is very much a possibility.
Many fans were skeptical aboutCreedbefore it opened. But it has received critical acclaim since its release this past November, even garneringSylvester Stallonea Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. DirectorRyan Cooglerhas been praised for rejuvenating the franchise, and has even been confirmed to direct Marvel’sBlack Panthersince the sequel’s release.
Creedproved it could stand on its own as a great movie. And nowCreed 2is actively being talked about. But when will we see it? And willRyan Cooglerbe able to return with his Marvel future ahead of him?Sylvester Stallone, writer of the first movie, has always had a creative hand in where this story might lead next. And he already has a few ideas brewing. He had this to say toVarietyabout a follow-up
“One version of the story would take place in the past, which would mean bringing back Carl Weathers to play Apollo Creed, who died in 1985’s Rocky IV. Ryan has some ideas of going forward and backward and actually seeing Rocky and Apollo together. Think of The Godfather 2. That’s what he was thinking of, which was kind of ambitious.”
Sylvester Stallonereveals that he recently ran into Carl Weathers. And he’s certainly in fighting shape. It’s not known if the actors will be made to look younger if this story carries out, alaMichael DouglasinAnt-Man. Here’s what Stallone had to say about his former co-star.
“I can’t believe I got in the ring with him. Even if it was play fighting.”
Ryan Cooglerwas actually surprised to hear thatSylvester Stallonehad let the Apollo Creed idea slip out into the open. But it’s apparent that the two have discussed how to continue this franchise forward into the future. And it might require a more linear story that is more inline with a traditional Rocky sequel.
“You’ll have him face a different opponent, which I would say is a more ferocious, big Russian. You can start to meld my experiences and then you start to bring different cultures into it. And you can see what’s happening with the Russians today in America. The complication will come with the girl’s ambition, because she’s not Adrian. She has places to go, things to see, the clock is running on her hearing.”
Sylvester Stallonehas no idea ifRyan Cooglerwill be able to return. Or if they will move forward with a new director, keepingRyan Coogleron as a producer.Sylvester Stallonebelieves thatCreed 2needs to happen sooner than later, saying this.
“I know Ryan is probably going to be gone for a couple years. So there will be a quandary on: Do we work with another director and have Ryan produce, or do we wait? There’s a diminishing time acceptance of a sequel. Now they are cranking them out in a year.”
Creedmanaged to stand out as its own film beyond the legacy that was set up before it. And all the credit goes toRyan Cooglerfor making that happen. Some doubt a sequel will be able to match the same quality if he doesn’t return. Though, some have speculated thatAva DuVernaycould step behind the lens on the next sequel, having already proven herself withSelma. What do you think about all these ideas and how this sequel should move forward in the future?
