Why Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Isn't In Creed 3 (2024)

Creed 3 didn't feature Rocky Balboa, which has had viewers asking why isn't Sylvester Stallone in Creed 3. The film continues the story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky's friend who was killed by Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. Stallone's famous boxer played a pivotal role in the spinoff franchise, acting as Adonis' coach through Creed and Creed 2. The character, however, didn't return for the series' third installment. His absence was accentuated by the first trailer for Creed 3, which, aside from featuring a brief mention of Rocky, focused solely on Adonis, his family, and his backstory.

Creed 3 has a time jump of seven years when Adonis Creed at the highest and most successful point of his career. The boxer couldn't have a better home life either, that's until his childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian Anderson, returns to the fold after his jail sentence finally comes to an end. The final fight between Damian and Creed has the highest stakes of any Creed movie yet. Yet again, Creed unsurprisingly reigns supreme, though the childhood friends do end up reconciling. However, regardless of what happened in Creed 3, this time, Sylvester Stallone was nowhere to be seen and Creed didn't have the support of his mentor.

RELATED: Why Rocky Isn't Rich In The Creed Movies (Despite His Millions In The 1980s)

Why Sylvester Stallone Isn't In Creed 3

Why Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Isn't In Creed 3 (1)

This marks the first time Stallone isn't featured in a Rocky-universe film since the franchise's start in 1976. Stallone explained his absence in Creed 3 during an interview with Metro UK, explaining "[I] bowed out of ['Creed 3']. I just didn't know if there was any part for me. But I hear it's really interesting. It takes it in a different direction. I wish them well and keep punching." The actor's decision not to return makes sense from a storytelling standpoint, as Creed clearly shifts its focus solely to its titular character. It's also understandable considering what happened to Rocky Balboa at the ending of Creed 2.

What Happens To Rocky In Creed 2

Though they only featured him in a supporting role, the first two Creed films offered an extensive character arc for Rocky. The first film saw him struggling with the idea of taking on Adonis as his protégé while also dealing with cancer. Throughout the film, though, Adonis gave the seasoned boxer a new perspective on life. By Creed 2, Rocky had recovered from his illness, but he was forced to relieve the traumatic loss of his friend, Apollo Creed, when Ivan Drago came back into his and Adonis' life alongside his son, Viktor. Creed 2 presented a heavy emotional challenge for Rocky, as he dealt with the possibility of losing Adonis the same way Apollo Creed died in Rocky 4.

Rocky agreed to train Michael B. Jordan's character once again to fight Drago's son. Adonis beat Viktor in their final fight, after which Rocky approached him. Extending his hand to knock fists with Adonis, Rocky told him, "It's your time." It was a touching moment that served as a passing of the baton for Rocky. The scene signaled that his time as a protagonist had come to an end, and that it was time for Adonis Creed to take the spotlight. It was also a sign that Rocky was at peace, knowing that Adonis was experienced and fit enough to continue on his own.

Can Sylvester Stallone Still Appear In Creed 4?

Why Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Isn't In Creed 3 (3)

Creed 3 confirmed that Rocky is still alive and is spending time with his son in Vancouver. While there's a clear explanation of why isn't Sylvester Stallone in Creed 3, that doesn't mean his appearance in Creed 4 isn't out of the question. Unfortunately, according to Stallone, it is, as Stallone isn't interested in Creed 4. However, while the Creed series is undoubtedly part of the Rocky universe, its universal themes of overcoming adversity and searching for identity allow it to exist in its own storytelling bubble. Though the absence of Rocky is a significant status quo shift, Creed 4 can thrive without having the character as a central figure.

However, Sylvester Stallone is interested in returning to the universe, even though it might not be Creed 4. Stallone wants Rocky 7 to happen, and the actor has even developed his own story for Rocky 7, which could potentially be more exciting than another Creed movie. In fact, Rocky 7 could even lead into the events of Creed 4, as the legacy sequel could see Rocky training his son, and what boxing match would have higher stakes in Creed 4 than Rocky's son vs. Creed? Either way, regardless of where and when he shows up, it doesn't seem like Sylvester Stallone is done with the Rocky universe.

Key Release Dates

  • Creed 3Release Date:2023-03-03
  • Movies
  • Creed 3 (2023)

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Why Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Isn't In Creed 3 (2024)

FAQs

Why Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Isn't In Creed 3? ›

The 76-year-old actor said in an interview that he did not participate in the filming of the movie because the story had been given a direction with which he did not agree. "That's a regretful situation because I know what it could have been," Stallone told THR about disagreeing with the new film's tone.

Will Rocky be in Creed 4? ›

Summary. Creed 4 is unlikely to feature Stallone due to the direction the franchise is heading. Rocky's absence in Creed III indicates the franchise's shift beyond Stallone's involvement. Stallone's return to the Rocky franchise could revitalize his career and appeal to newer audiences.

Is Rocky Balboa still alive in Creed 3? ›

Creed 3 confirmed that Rocky is still alive and is spending time with his son in Vancouver. While there's a clear explanation of why isn't Sylvester Stallone in Creed 3, that doesn't mean his appearance in Creed 4 isn't out of the question.

Is there going to be a Creed 4? ›

Announced to be in development in November 2023 (a mere eight months after the release of Creed III), Creed 4 will seemingly see the Rocky/Creed franchise return to the big screen for a 10th movie (per Variety).

Why wasn't Sylvester Stallone in Expendables 4? ›

Summary. Sylvester Stallone left the Expendables franchise due to creative differences and disagreements about the direction and screenplay of the movie. Despite initially quitting, Stallone returned to the cast of Expendables 4 in 2018, but only in a smaller role and did not write the screenplay.

Why was Rocky left out of Creed 3? ›

Despite being the face of the Rocky franchise, Stallone chose not to appear in Creed III due to creative differences with producer Irwin Winkler as well as with Jordan, although he is still a producer on the film. According to Stallone, the film had a much darker tone that he didn't agree with.

Will there be expendables 5? ›

The final installments of The Expendables series which will split into two parts,, it will have the largest assemble cast with several big stars. It will also be the longest expendable movies.

Why doesn't Sylvester Stallone like Creed 3? ›

The 76-year-old actor said in an interview that he did not participate in the filming of the movie because the story had been given a direction with which he did not agree. "That's a regretful situation because I know what it could have been," Stallone told THR about disagreeing with the new film's tone.

Why doesn't Sylvester Stallone own Rocky? ›

The actor has long been galled by the fact that, as a young unknown in Hollywood, he signed a deal in which he gave up ownership of the “Rocky” franchise, which he created. (Stallone wrote the film.) Since at least 1976, Rocky's rights have been in the hands of producer Irwin Winkler.

Why wasn't Rocky at the funeral in Creed III? ›

Stallone opened up about his absence, explaining that Creed III took a different direction than he would've taken it. "It's a different philosophy... I like my heroes beat up, but I just don't want them going into that dark place. I just feel people have enough darkness."

Will there be a Drago movie? ›

Talks of a Drago spin-off arose not long after Lundgren reprised his Rocky role in the 2018 film Creed 2, which sees him train his son Victor (Florian Munteanu) to take on Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan). An announcement in July 2022 revealed that the Drago film was in the works, with Robert Lawton writing the script.

Does Creed have a baby? ›

Creed (2015) In the seventh installment, it has been revealed that Creed had an affair and, from that, Adonis "Donnie" Johnson Creed was born. In 1998, after Adonis' biological mother's death in the late '90s, Apollo's widow, Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad), adopts him.

Is there kissing in Creed 3? ›

Creed III SEX/NUDITY 3

A husband and his wife kiss in a few scenes. ► A woman wears a low-cut top that reveals cleavage and partial breasts.

Why did Arnold Schwarzenegger leave Expendables? ›

His reasoning for not wanting to come back is tied to the growing workload that the franchise asked of him. He stated that he only did the first Expendables as "a favor to Sly" and shot his scene in one day. With the sequels adding him in even more, Arnie wanted to avoid the same happening in Expendables 4.

Who refused to be in Expendables? ›

Sigourney Weaver Refused to Join Sylvester Stallone's 'Expendables' Franchise - IMDb. Sylvester Stallone brought together a team of some of cinema's most exciting action heroes for The Expendables. Sigourney Weaver was also meant to join the crew, but the actor rejected the proposal.

Why was Bruce Willis dropped from Expendables? ›

Reportedly (via The Hollywood Reporter) Willis was due to make 3 million dollars in a four-day shoot in Bulgaria, but he demanded an extra million for his troubles. Sylvester Stallone, at the helm of the project that had a 100 million dollar budget, refused to budge and Willis was replaced by Ford within 72 hours.

Is Rocky coming back to Creed? ›

Creed IV is in the plans of Michael B. Jordan, and Rocky Balboa's comeback in this installment is highly likely, given the history of the franchise. The idea of Rocky's return is underscored by a scene in Rocky (1976), in which he tells Mickey that he never considered retiring.

What happens to Creed in Rocky 4? ›

In Rocky IV, Creed decides to make a one-off return to the ring to fight a Soviet Union boxer by the name of Ivan Drago. The fight is billed as an exhibition, but unfortunately, Creed is knocked unconscious in the second round, resulting in his death.

Will there ever be another Rocky? ›

In November 2022, Stallone confirmed that the studio wants another Rocky film, but that negotiations to attain part of the rights to the character from the producers stalled development. He further stated that he is writing the script and that if the studio likes his work, the film will be made.

Is Rocky retired in Rocky 4? ›

After reclaiming the boxing championship title, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) plans to retire and live with his wife, Adrian (Talia Shire). However, during an exhibition match, Rocky's friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) is mercilessly beaten to death by hulking Russian newcomer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).

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