It was revealed earlier this week that the Rocky Cinematic Universe was growing once more. Over 45 years have passed since Sylvester Stallone first appeared in Rocky, the enduring boxing film that inspired Creed and its sequels. Currently, MGM is advancing the narrative with a new spinoff dubbed Drago. Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a Soviet Olympic boxer, killed Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the ring in Rocky IV. The Drago family made a comeback in Creed II in 2018, when Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) faced off against Ivan Drago’s son Viktor (Florian Munteanu). One fan is not overly pleased with the impending film, despite the excitement of several other fans. Stallone posted today on Instagram to slam producer Irwin Winkler for “exploiting” the franchise he started back in 1976.
“Just found this out… Irwin Winkler and his insatiable incredibly untalented family exploiting & beating another wonderful character into the ground! Seriously how are these weasels looking in mirror with any pride. Truly pathetic” Stallone shared to his Instagram. See post below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgp9UqLpgAx/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Lundgren hinted about a spinoff in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter from last year. “By the way, I believe there has been discussion about MGM and Drago creating a full-length spinoff. Thus, you might receive more of that “said Lundgren.
Regarding Creed III, Jordan, who will replace Steven Caple Jr. and Ryan Coogler (Creed), will make his directorial debut with the film (Creed II). The threequel’s postponement to next year was revealed this week. In addition to Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, and Jonathan Majors will all make their franchise debuts in Creed III. Stallone will not be appearing in Creed III, as expected.
“I think that Sly let it be known that he wasn’t coming back for this one but I think, you know, his essence and his spirit… there’s always going to be a little bit of Rocky within Adonis,” Jordan previously told IGN. “But this is a Creed franchise, and we really want to build this story and this world around him moving forward. So, it’s always respect and always a shit-ton of love for what he’s built, but we really want to push and navigate Adonis forward and the family that he created.” Jordan added, “So hopefully you guys will love what I’m thinking… what we’re cooking up. I think it’s going to be something special.”
Stay tuned for further updates on Drago. Creed III is set to be released in theatres on March 3, 2023.
