A New Chapter in the Rocky Legacy
Creed (2015) is a powerful continuation of the Rocky saga, bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film introduces a new generation to the world of boxing while still honoring the story of Rocky Balboa. Starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the illegitimate son of Apollo Creed, and Sylvester Stallone reprising his iconic role as Rocky, Creed attempts to blend the spirit of the original series with a modern, hard-hitting drama.
Adonis Creed: Fighting for His Legacy
Adonis “Donnie” Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) grew up never knowing his famous father, the legendary heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died in the ring before Adonis was born. Raised in foster care and juvenile detention, his life takes a dramatic turn when Mary Anne Creed (Phylicia Rashad), Apollo’s widow, takes him in and gives him the opportunities his father never had.
But despite a comfortable life and a promising corporate career, Adonis feels an undeniable pull toward boxing—a sport that’s in his blood. Determined to forge his own path, he ditches his privileged life and heads to Philadelphia, the city where his father’s greatest battles took place, to pursue his dream.
The Return of Rocky Balboa
Once in Philly, Adonis seeks out Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone)—his father’s old rival-turned-friend—and asks him to train him. Initially reluctant, Rocky has left the fight game behind, running Adrian’s Restaurant and living a quiet life, still mourning the loss of Adrian and Paulie. He has no interest in stepping back into the world that took so much from him.
But something in Adonis reminds him of Apollo—his spirit, his hunger, his drive. Rocky eventually agrees to train him, guiding the young fighter through the same grueling old-school methods that once shaped him into a champion.
However, Adonis isn’t the only one fighting a battle. As he prepares for his first big fight, Rocky faces a deadly opponent outside the ring—cancer. The once-indestructible Italian Stallion must confront his mortality, leading to a poignant student-mentor relationship that adds depth to the film.
Adonis vs. “Pretty” Ricky Conlan: The Fight for Respect
Word spreads that Adonis is Apollo Creed’s son, and soon he’s given the opportunity of a lifetime: a shot at the light heavyweight championship against the undefeated “Pretty” Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew). But there’s a catch—Adonis must fight under the Creed name, something he’s struggled to embrace.
As the fight approaches, Adonis wrestles with who he really is. He wants to prove he’s more than just Apollo Creed’s son—that he’s his own fighter. Meanwhile, Rocky battles his illness head-on, inspired by Adonis’ determination.
The climactic showdown between Adonis and Conlan tries to mirror the classic underdog story of Rocky. Adonis steps into the ring as a true fighter, not just trying to win, but proving that he belongs in the sport. While he doesn’t claim the title, he earns the respect of the boxing world—and, most importantly, himself.
Legacy, Mentorship, and the Heart of a Fighter
At its core, Creed is about more than just boxing—it’s about legacy, identity, and mentorship. Adonis doesn’t fight to be his father, but to be his own man. Rocky, in turn, learns that even outside the ring, he still has something to fight for.
Despite its attempt to blend nostalgia with a new era, Creed falls short of capturing the true heart and soul of Rocky. While it delivers solid performances and intense fight sequences, it lacks the emotional depth and raw sincerity that made the original films legendary.
