At the time of its release, expectations were extremely low for Creed. Really, another sequel to Rocky? About the son of the late Apollo Creed? Who wants to see that? In the end, director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan managed to surpass all expectations and pre-conceived notions, delivering what many would consider one of the best action movies of the decade thus far. Coogler switched gears for Black Panther and Jordan played that film's iconic villain, but only one of them will return for Creed II, the next chapter in the saga of Adonis Creed. Even with the rapturous reception that greeted the last film, expectations are in the toilet once again for this sequel. After all, Creed ended on such a euphoric and pitch-perfect note that continuing the story seems futile. And without Coogler behind the camera (The Land director Steven Caple Jr. is taking over), can Creed II possibly replicate the success of its predecessor? Earlier today, we got our first glimpse at this sequel, which finds young Adonis facing off against a familiar opponent. Check out the teaser trailer below!
I absolutely adore Creed. It's one of the finest sports films ever made, and it's almost as brilliant as the original Rocky. Coogler may have entered the big leagues with Black Panther, but he proved that he was a wizard behind the camera with the boxing scenes in that film. The consistently terrific Michael B. Jordan undergoes such a fully-formed arc as Adonis, and the payoff is nothing short of marvelous. This is a long-winded way of saying that there's no reason for Creed II to exist.
Surprisingly enough, this trailer almost convinced me that my previous assessment was completely wrong. I doubt Caple Jr. and screenwriters Cheo Hodari Coker and Sylvester Stallone will be able to replicate the surprise factor of the last film, but Creed II looks visually appealing and shockingly intense on a narrative level. Having Creed face a young Drago is something of a stroke of genius, and it provides another opportunity for Adonis to dig into his past and his relationship with his famous father. While I sincerely hope that the film can accomplish this story without retreading what was already done in Creed, there's no denying that it's a very tricky line to walk.
Beyond that, Creed II looks just as gritty and harsh as its predecessor, finding beauty in both the combat of boxing and the simplicity of incredible images that speak volumes. Jordan is a superb actor, and I'm fascinated to see what else he can do with this character. And even though I thought Rocky's journey ended well in the last film, watching Stallone as this cinematic icon is always worth it. I'm cautiously optimistic that this won't just be another boxing sequel, but I'm keeping my expectations in check.
Creed II opens in theaters on November 21. Also, check out this truly epic teaser poster for the film below!
I absolutely adore Creed. It's one of the finest sports films ever made, and it's almost as brilliant as the original Rocky. Coogler may have entered the big leagues with Black Panther, but he proved that he was a wizard behind the camera with the boxing scenes in that film. The consistently terrific Michael B. Jordan undergoes such a fully-formed arc as Adonis, and the payoff is nothing short of marvelous. This is a long-winded way of saying that there's no reason for Creed II to exist.
Surprisingly enough, this trailer almost convinced me that my previous assessment was completely wrong. I doubt Caple Jr. and screenwriters Cheo Hodari Coker and Sylvester Stallone will be able to replicate the surprise factor of the last film, but Creed II looks visually appealing and shockingly intense on a narrative level. Having Creed face a young Drago is something of a stroke of genius, and it provides another opportunity for Adonis to dig into his past and his relationship with his famous father. While I sincerely hope that the film can accomplish this story without retreading what was already done in Creed, there's no denying that it's a very tricky line to walk.
Beyond that, Creed II looks just as gritty and harsh as its predecessor, finding beauty in both the combat of boxing and the simplicity of incredible images that speak volumes. Jordan is a superb actor, and I'm fascinated to see what else he can do with this character. And even though I thought Rocky's journey ended well in the last film, watching Stallone as this cinematic icon is always worth it. I'm cautiously optimistic that this won't just be another boxing sequel, but I'm keeping my expectations in check.
Creed II opens in theaters on November 21. Also, check out this truly epic teaser poster for the film below!
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