The "Rocky" franchise is iconic. It's ingrained in American culture. As such, it's not exactly a surprise that it's being revived, albeit in a different form.
"Creed" will be a "Rocky" spinoff focusing on Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed, and his journey as a boxer trying to become a champion. Yes, it's a bit familiar, but don't tell me you're not at least a little intrigued?
Sylvester Stallone will return as Rocky Balboa as he trains the young Creed to find the Eye of the Tiger. To flesh out the story a bit more, Warner Bros. and MGM have released an official plot synopsis.
"From Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures comes award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler's 'Creed.' The film explores a new chapter in the 'Rocky' story and stars Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role. The film also reunites Coogler with his 'Fruitvale Station' star Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo Creed.
"Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there's no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed's legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa.
"Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo-the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring.
"With Rocky in his corner, it isn't long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title...but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?"
Judging only off this synopsis, it sounds as if Balboa will be facing some out-of-the-ring challenges, perhaps health related. With his fighting days behind him, more worldly obstacles would be a nice change of pace for Balboa's character.
The studios must have confidence in whatever Coogler is planning because they have the film slated for a Thanksgiving release this year. That's some prime movie going real-estate. Will the film live up to its predecessors? We'll have to wait to find out.
