The upcoming film Creed III promises to be an action-packed, high-intensity blockbuster, and that's partly because Michael B. Jordan not only stars in the film as heavyweight boxing champion Adonis Creed but also directed it. Jordan's direction and leadership on set have led to some genuinely intense moments, as co-star Jonathan Majors recently revealed. Majors, who is quickly becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors thanks to his roles in Creed III and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, plays the main antagonist in both films. But playing the bad guy in a Rocky/Creed movie is no easy feat, as it carries the risk of getting punched for real.

In an interview with Deadline, Majors candidly admitted that during the filming of the movie's boxing scenes, he did take a few real punches from Jordan. But he also made sure to give a few blows back. The intensity on set was palpable, but Majors relished the opportunity to work with a director who was also his co-star.

"I took a couple [punches], I think. I loved it. I’m just so humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the Rocky franchise. Sly [Stallone], Michael B. Jordan, it’s like, if I’m gonna be in that lineage, even as a baddie, I wanna go for it. So, yeah, [Michael] might have caught me a few times. I took some body shots, and gave out a few, too."

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The Battle of Friendship and Redemption in Creed III

Creed III is the next installment in the Rocky franchise, and it's not just a sports drama but also a story about friendship and redemption. Michael B. Jordan will be making his directorial debut with this film and has also co-written the screenplay along with Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler. The film stars an all-star cast, including Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, and Creed II star Florian Munteanu, as well as Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II, Mila Davis-Kent, and Canelo Álvarez.

The film is set five years after Creed II, where we see Adonis "Donnie" Creed thriving in both his career and family life. However, his world is turned upside down when his childhood friend, Damian "Dame" Anderson, resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison. Dame is a former boxing prodigy and is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. This sets the stage for an intense battle between the two former friends, and it's not just a fight but a test of character and loyalty. Donnie must put his future on the line to battle Dame, who has nothing to lose.

Jonathan Majors plays the villainous character Damian "Dame" Anderson, and he brings a level of intensity and realism to the role. He's not your typical mustache-twirling villain, but a grounded character with a backstory and honest emotions. According to Michael B. Jordan, "He’s a grounded character who’s antagonistic by nature, but it comes from an honest place, real emotions. I wanted people to understand him, and to make it hard for people. I think those make for the most complicated and interesting ones to watch."

Themes of family, loyalty, and redemption are expected to be explored alongside the intense fight between Adonis and Dame. Creed III is not only a showcase of the actors' talents but also a reflection of the human experience in its complexity and depth. The story of Adonis and Dame’s friendship, their struggles, and the ultimate showdown, will keep audiences engaged and invested in the characters' journey.