Stallone on Rocky: “It’s My Favorite Character.”
On a crisp morning in Philadelphia, the Creed cast gathered on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art—the very same steps that made Rocky Balboa a cinematic legend. This wasn’t just another press stop; this was sacred ground for fans of the Rocky franchise.
With Creed opening to an impressive $42 million in its first five days, the excitement was undeniable—especially in Philly, where the Rocky series has been deeply rooted for nearly four decades. Good Morning America sat down with the stars to talk about stepping into the ring of this beloved franchise.
Sylvester Stallone Returns as Rocky Balboa
For the seventh time, Sylvester Stallone put on the hat, laced up the boots, and stepped back into the role of Rocky Balboa—this time as a mentor to Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis. But after so many years, what’s it like to return to such an iconic character?
Sylvester Stallone: “Seventh time is the charm. It’s my favorite character. I would love to play it every day for the rest of my life.”
Even though Stallone has played countless tough guys throughout his career, Rocky remains the role closest to his heart. It’s the character that started it all, and with Creed, he got to explore an entirely new side of the Italian Stallion—one filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and the weight of a legacy.
Michael B. Jordan on His Rocky Experience
Taking on the role of Adonis Creed meant stepping into a universe beloved by generations of fans. For Michael B. Jordan, it was a deep dive into a franchise he grew up watching—but preparing for Creed gave him an even deeper appreciation for the series.
Michael B. Jordan: “Yeah, for sure. I had a chance to fall in love with Rocky all over again when you have a chance to watch ’em back to back to back to back in preparation for this film. To see him literally age in front of my eyes, it’s kinda cool.”
Jordan’s performance as Adonis Creed wasn’t just about boxing—it was about legacy, self-discovery, and proving he could stand on his own, outside of his father’s shadow.
What Drives Adonis Creed?
Adonis isn’t just fighting for a title; he’s fighting for an identity. The son of Apollo Creed, he’s caught between the pressure of his father’s legendary name and the need to forge his own path.
Michael B. Jordan: “What drives him is just trying to figure out who he is, to see if he’s got what it takes to be anybody that’s anywhere close to his father [Apollo Creed].”
His journey mirrors the spirit of Rocky—an underdog story about grit, determination, and finding something worth fighting for.
Tessa Thompson on Bianca’s Strength
While Creed is centered around Adonis’ rise, his relationship with Bianca (played by Tessa Thompson) adds depth to his story. Bianca isn’t just a love interest; she’s a fiercely independent artist with dreams and struggles of her own.
Tessa Thompson: “I think she has her own inner determination, which is what she finds attractive about Adonis, and she shares it.”
Much like Adrian in the original Rocky, Bianca isn’t just a spectator in Adonis’ journey—she’s part of the fight.
A New Chapter in Rocky History
With Creed, director Ryan Coogler took the Rocky franchise in a new direction, introducing fresh faces while still leaning on the legacy of the original films. But stepping into that world comes with heavy expectations—after all, Rocky isn’t just another boxing story; it’s an institution.
For Stallone, Jordan, and Thompson, standing on the Rocky Steps that day wasn’t just about promoting a movie—it was about recognizing the weight of what came before. Whether Creed truly carries the torch is up for debate, but one thing is certain: the spirit of Rocky still looms large over Philadelphia, no matter who steps into the ring next.
