
via Imago
RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2018 TITLE: Creed II STUDIO: DIRECTOR: Steven Caple Jr. PLOT: Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago. STARRING: SYLVESTER STALLONE stars as Rocky Balboa and MICHAEL B. JORDAN as Adonis Creed. Philadelphia U.S. – ZUMAl90_ 20180914_sha_l90_575 Copyright: xMetroxGoldwynxMayerx

via Imago
RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2018 TITLE: Creed II STUDIO: DIRECTOR: Steven Caple Jr. PLOT: Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago. STARRING: SYLVESTER STALLONE stars as Rocky Balboa and MICHAEL B. JORDAN as Adonis Creed. Philadelphia U.S. – ZUMAl90_ 20180914_sha_l90_575 Copyright: xMetroxGoldwynxMayerx
Hollywood actor Michael B. Jordan surprised the world after the recent success of his directorial debut Creed III. The film, which is the third installment in the Rocky franchise spin-off released on March 2023 and starred Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of the legendary boxer Apollo Creed.
However, the movie did not feature Sylvester Stallone, who has been an integral part of the franchise. Despite this, the movie grossed over $100 million worldwide with revenues of $42 million in its debut overseas. The movie has done well financially, which many were not expecting, but it still seems that it lacks a certain charm. Jake Paul’s trainer Benjamin Flores certainly thinks so as he labeled the movie as disappointing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III labeled as a disappointing affair
The former professional boxer took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction with the movie. His major criticism of the movie was Damian getting a title shot in his first fight. Moreover, he was also not happy that lightweight boxers were being portrayed as heavyweights.
Creed 3 has been very disappointing. Title shot on his very first fight? 147 lb. X fighter acting as the heavyweight champ?
Obviously he is not a heavyweight nor anything close.
Drago gets injured than Benavidez fights a kid who’s not pro and been locked up for 18 years? 😐— Benjamin Flores (@bjfloresboxing) April 6, 2023
In another tweet, he doubled down on his previous claims and could not understand why Stallone was removed from it. He also claimed that he lasted for only about an hour before he left the Michael B. Jordan film.
Creed 3 was rough. They took Sylvester Stallone out for this??
Lightweight/welterweight Jose Benavidez playing the “heavyweight champion”?? Title shot for His brother after 18 years in Jail before turning pro?
I only lasted about 1 hour.— Benjamin Flores (@bjfloresboxing) April 6, 2023
Despite the criticism, Creed III has still managed to gross over $100 million at the global box office, making it a commercial success. The film’s success is a testament to Michael B. Jordan’s star power and the enduring popularity of the Rocky franchise. However, the mixed reviews and fan disappointment highlight the difficulty of creating a successful sequel or spin-off. While the film may have succeeded financially, it may have failed to capture the spirit and essence of the original franchise, which is a disappointment to many.
But why exactly did Stallone not appear in the third movie of the franchise?
Why is Sylvester Stallone not in Creed III?
The Hollywood legend’s absence from the film was the first time in nine films and 47 years that a movie in the “Rocky” film franchise does not feature Rocky Balboa.
Read More: Creed III Star Michael B. Jordan Reacts in Silence to ‘Desperate’ & ‘Obsessed’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, according to Sly, it was time for him to move on. The main reason for him not wanting to be a part of Creed was due to the creative direction it was going in, which was different from the previous Rocky movies. Moreover, he also had some disputes with the producers of the movie regarding the rights to the movies.

via Imago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 06: Sylvester Stallone leaves The Polo Bar on October 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
However, he has wished Jordan the best of luck in his endeavors and also highlighted his support for the next generation of boxers and actors. While the exclusion of Rocky Balboa may disappoint some fans, Stallone’s decision to move on from the role is understandable given his long tenure playing the character.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did you think about Flores being disappointed with Creed III? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: Despite Earning Over $10 Million, Creed 2 Is Sylvester Stallone’s Least Favorite Movie He Ever Acted In
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT