The name on everybody’s lips isCreed. The half-continuation, half-reboot of the iconic franchise brought backSylvester Stalloneto train the new starMichael B. Jordan. After the box-office success from its theatrical run, word of a potential sequel has been buzzing about. And withStallone’s first-ever Golden Globeswin this past Sunday, the studio is already eyeing a potential release date for the follow-up movie … though the scheduling is not looking too good for directorRyan Coogler.
Varietyreports that November 2017 is being eyed as a potential host for the release of the untitledCreed 2. MGM CEOGary Barbertold the trade during the Globes that the time slot is his goal, though he also said that nothing is set in stone.
Coogler directedCreed, which featured Jordan as the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed and has earned $119.6 million worldwide so far. (Reminder: The production budget was approximately $35 million, which makes these earnings a knockout.) However, if this schedule becomes the law of the land, then Coogler likely won’t return. Stallone predicted his absence in a previous interview, citing the director’s busy schedule. He said at the time that he knows he’ll be gone for “a couple years,” and though he didn’t specify which film would be occupying Coogler’s time, the rising talent is expected to helm Marvel’sBlack PantherstarringChadwick Boseman. The film is scheduled for release on August 09, 2025, which would probably pose a conflict. It’s also an important one for Marvel, since now we knowit’ll lead intoAvengers: Infinity War.
Coogler only has two feature films under his belt,CreedandFruitvale Station, but he’s knocked both of them out of the park. While I’d love to see him return, it’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t. Stallone helmed the second, third, and fourthRockymovies after the first was done byJohn G. Avildsen, who later came back to helm the fifth.
As for a potential plot for a sequel,Stallone teasedthat it could take a nod fromThe Godfather 2and go backwards in time to bring backCarl Weathersas Apollo. Jordan might not even be needed, though if the studio knows what’s good for them and their franchise, they’ll keep this guy on board as long as possible.
