Michael B. Jordan is back in the ring as both director and star for the upcoming sports drama sequel, Creed III. Shared by Tessa Thompson on her Instagram Stories, Michael B. Jordan has been spotted sporting boxing gloves once again in this behind-the-scenes image from the highly anticipated movie, which will see Jordan make his directorial debut.
The image, which shows Michael B. Jordan taking what is no doubt a well-deserved rest between takes, is accompanied by the caption “proud of Michael B Directing on Creed 3.” Rumors that Jordan would sit in the director’s chair for Creed III circulated for some time before being confirmed by Thompson, who confirmed the news whilst poking fun at the actor for winning People's Sexiest Man Alive back in 2020.
Creed is a spinoff Sylvester Stallone’s iconic Rocky series. Beginning in 2015, the first Creed introduces audiences to the son of Rocky’s opponent-turned-friend Apollo Creed. Much like his father before him, Adonis dreams of being a champion just like his old man and is taken under the wing of an aged Rocky Balboa. Met with critical acclaim, a sequel, Creed II, arrived in 2018, which saw Adonis take on the son of Rocky IV villain Ivan Drago.
Plot details for Creed III currently remain a secret, but it has been revealed that Jordan’s Adonis Creed will go head-to-head with Lovecraft Country and Loki star Jonathan Majors. “Jonathan’s just an incredible actor, an incredible person,” Jordan said of adding the actor to the franchise. “Me and him, we just connected the first time we spoke. And then when I pitched him the film, he hit me right back and it was all go from there, you know? So, he was bought in. He has so many different talents, and things that he brings to the table. He was just perfect for the role, so it was a match made in heaven. I’m extremely lucky. We’re very blessed to have him and I can’t wait for everybody to see what we do.”
Production on Creed 3 Has Now Begun
Filming on Creed III, which will mark Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut, has now begun, with the actor and director spotted on set. Stepping behind the camera is something Jordan has wanted to do for some time, with the actor having revealed his aspirations for directing and his determination to step up to the challenge.
"I've always been moving toward it,” Jordan said. “When you're acting for twenty-something years, I think over time you start to evolve, your taste buds evolve as well, and you want to do something different. You want another challenge. You start to want to have an opinion and a perspective on how to tell stories. And representation really, really matters. Being so close with Ryan, and watching somebody my age, who looks like me, shoot Fruitvale Station back then, it really gave me the idea that I can do that as well."
Michael B. Jordan will direct a script written by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin and based on a story outline by Ryan Coogler. Starring Jordan has the titular Adonis Creed alongside Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, and Jonathan Majors, Creed III is scheduled to be released on November 23, 2022 by United Artists Releasing in the United States and Warner Bros. Pictures worldwide.