Creed III: The Third Instalment of the Rocky Spin-Off
Creed III is the third instalment of the Rocky spin-off, bringing the number of films in the Rocky franchise to nine. Directed by and starring Michael B. Jordan (in his directorial debut) from a screenplay by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin, Creed III follows Adonis Creed as he faces off against an old friend and boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors).
What is Creed III about?
Adonis Creed has been flourishing in his boxing career and at home. When Damian resurfaces, having spent time in prison, he is determined to demonstrate that he can still fight like a champion. With Adonis's help, Damian trains for a comeback fight that could determine their legacies. But when unexpected events threaten to derail their plans, Adonis must confront his fears and doubts to protect his family's future.
Initial Performance in the Box Office
Creed III opened with $22 million at the US box office on its opening weekend, topping Scream VI's debut weekend at the UK-Ireland box office with £5 million. It also earned big numbers internationally, with the film now grossing over $100 million in the US alone.
This performance is particularly impressive given that it runs alongside Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and Avatar: The Way of Water, two strong contenders in the box office race.
Critical and Public Reception
The movie has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Rotten Tomatoes gives an approval rating of 88% and an audience score of 96%! On Metacritic, it has a score of 73 out of 100 based on reviews from 60 critics, indicating "generally favourable reviews." Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it an average grade of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.
Cinemagoers will love Creed III for the nostalgia, but it also provides an exciting opportunity to explore new themes and ideas. The film explores family loyalty, self-worth, and redemption in a story that resonates with modern audiences. The exceptional performances from Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors bring an emotional depth to the already thrilling action. Fans of the Rocky franchise will not be disappointed with Creed III!
The Absence of Sylvester Stallone
One noticeable absence in this instalment is Sylvester Stallone, who played Rocky Balboa in all 8 previous movies in the franchise. Stallone was not involved in this movie due to creative differences between him and Michael B Jordan over story direction, but he did give his blessing for Jordan to direct Creed III, which was ultimately released without him being involved. Despite this absence, fans have praised Jordan's performance and Jonathan Major's portrayal of Damian as they continue to carry on the legacy set by Stallone's character Rocky Balboa.
Estimates suggest that sales will exceed $150 million in the US alone, building on the success of 2015's Creed and 2018's Creed II. A fourth film in the series is already being discussed, with Michael B. Jordan expected to return as both star and director — a sign of his commitment to the franchise.
Overall, Creed III is a worthy entry into the franchise and offers a glimpse at Adonis Creed's future as he faces off against an old friend. With compelling performances and engaging storytelling, it's sure to please fans of the Rocky series
