Creed 3 brings a new chapter to the legendary Rocky franchise, stepping into fresh territory while honoring its roots. With Michael B. Jordan taking on the role of director and a powerful new rivalry at the center of the film, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes. From Sylvester Stallone’s absence to hidden Easter eggs, here are some of the most interesting Creed 3 trivia facts you may not know.
1. The First Creed Film Without Sylvester Stallone
For the first time in franchise history, Sylvester Stallone does not appear as Rocky Balboa. With his absence, no character has been in every Rocky or Creed movie. Stallone has openly expressed regret about not returning, saying that the film took a darker approach than he would have preferred.
2. Michael B. Jordan’s Directorial Debut
Just like Sylvester Stallone took control of the Rocky sequels, Michael B. Jordan stepped up as director for Creed 3. He crafted the film’s emotional core while also redefining its fight choreography with anime influences.
3. Why Stallone Will Never Watch Creed 3
Stallone confirmed in interviews that he will never watch Creed 3, citing his long-standing feud with producer Irwin Winkler. He has been vocal about not owning the rights to the Rocky character, despite creating him.
4. Anime-Inspired Fight Scenes
Michael B. Jordan, a longtime anime fan, shaped Creed 3’s boxing scenes with influences from Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Megalo Box. The slow-motion strikes and dramatic angles pay homage to classic anime battles.
5. Damian’s Name Has Real-Life Meaning
Jonathan Majors, who plays Damian Anderson, revealed that his character’s last name is a tribute to his real-life grandfather.
6. The Shortest Creed Film
With a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes, Creed 3 is the shortest entry in the Creed series.
7. The Don King Connection
Damian compares Adonis’ retirement to Don King, confirming that King exists in the same universe as George Washington Duke, the Rocky V character inspired by him.
8. A Deleted Scene That Almost Made the Cut
A scene where Adonis, Bianca, and Amara visit his old juvenile detention center was removed from the final version. It can briefly be seen in the first trailer.
9. A New Composer Takes Over
Joseph Shirley replaced Ludwig Göransson as the film’s composer due to Göransson’s scheduling conflicts.
10. The First Rocky Universe Film Shot in IMAX
Creed 3 is the first movie in the Rocky and Creed series to feature scenes filmed in IMAX, making the fight sequences even more intense.
11. A Marvel Connection Among the Cast
Michael B. Jordan (Killmonger), Jonathan Majors (Kang the Conqueror), and Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) all have major roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
12. Mila Davis-Kent Brings Authentic Representation
Mila Davis-Kent, who plays Amara Creed, is deaf in real life, adding an authentic layer to her character.
13. Creed III’s Symbolic Release Date
The third Creed movie was released on March 3, 2023—the third day of the third month in the third year of the third decade of the third millennium.
14. The Highest-Grossing Creed Movie
With a box office total of over $270 million, Creed 3 is the most successful entry in the Creed franchise.
15. A Hidden Boxing History Easter Egg
In the opening flashback, Adonis gives Damian a ticket from Apollo Creed’s collection. It’s from the “Rumble in the Jungle” fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
16. A Family Dynamic Inspired by Kobe Bryant
Michael B. Jordan based Adonis’ relationship with Amara on his observations of Kobe Bryant’s bond with his daughter, Gianna.
