Sylvester Stallone has been transparent about what he feels regarding the present and future situation of his beloved Rocky franchise. From creative differences to rights issues, the actor has become reluctant to get involved in the films. Indeed, many fans felt his absence from Michael B. Jordan’s Creed 3.
Stallone agreed to join Ryan Coogler’s Creed franchise, but it wasn’t an easy decision. The director took two years to finally convince the legendary action star to return for a sequel, and his persistence paid off when Stallone saw how sincere and passionate Coogler was.
Sylvester Stallone Reveals Why He Joined Creed Franchise
Sylvester Stallone spoke with Deadline and shared how Black Panther director Ryan Coogler persuaded him to reprise his role and star alongside Michael B. Jordan in the 2015 Creed film, given that he was quite satisfied with how the Rocky movies ended. Stallone said:
“I had been very, very grateful the way last chapter of Rocky Balboa wrapped up his story in a satisfactory way for the audience. When Rocky waves goodbye, that was a goodbye to the audience, and a thank you. I just thought, ‘Finally,’ and thought it was a wonderful send-off.”
Coogler’s reputation as a filmmaker, as well as the recognition he has received, were enough to capture Stallone’s admiration. The Expendables star continued:
“So, he goes away and does Fruitvale Station. Wins all these awards, and he’s offered multiple job opportunities, and he keeps coming back to Creed. I see this and say: this fellow here obviously is functioning on a different kind of energy. It is heartfelt, not monetary, not ego… So, I finally said, ‘You know what? Someone took a chance on me, once. I’m just going to throw caution to the wind and let him run with it.’”
Eventually, Stallone gave the movie a shot despite the dilemmas he has been facing regarding its ownership. The actor has opened up about his frustrations with producer Irwin Winkler. Apparently, the guy has been running and controlling the Rocky franchise for 47 years, and now, he has the Creed under his power.
Stallone publicly declared that he wanted at least a little of what was left of his rights in the franchise to be passed on to his children. This is a very heartfelt topic for the actor, and he admitted to finding it difficult to watch the third Creed installment directed by Jordan himself.
Sylvester Stallone Teases Return In Creed 4
Since Sylvester Stallone’s problem with the Rocky and Creed franchises isn’t with Michael B. Jordan, he is up and ready to join in on a fourth film. The Tulsa King actor admitted via SiriusXM:
“Now, if Michael B. Jordan, we come up with a story, I’ll do Creed 4 with him as long as the other fella’s not involved.”
If Stallone and Jordan manage to craft a story that would make Rocky’s return very significant and necessary, it would be great news for the 77-year-old actor as he had somehow succeeded in getting his rights back to the Rocky franchise. That is, if Irwin Winkler won’t meddle again and bring Stallone another cause of distress.
The possibility of Stallone coming back in Creed 4 would bring utter excitement for the audiences, and it would definitely break box-office records as fans would want to see the Rambo star triumph in his own personal fight, mirroring the underdog hero he has portrayed over the years.
Stallone confessed that the journey has “been such a real, rough emotional ride,” but his fans are out there to support him no matter what. After all, this is his franchise, and he has a say on every single aspect of Rocky Balboa’s future.
Creed 3 is available on Amazon Prime.
