Hubbry Logo
Creed IICreed IIMain
Open search
Creed II
Community hub
Creed II
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Creed II
Creed II
Creed II
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Creed II
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySteven Caple Jr.
Screenplay by
Story by
Based onCharacters
by Sylvester Stallone
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyKramer Morgenthau
Edited by
Music byLudwig Göransson
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
Release dates
  • November 14, 2018 (2018-11-14) (Lincoln Center)
  • November 21, 2018 (2018-11-21) (United States)
Running time
130 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$50 million[2]
Box office$214.1 million[3]

Creed II is a 2018 American sports drama film directed by Steven Caple Jr. from a screenplay by Juel Taylor and Sylvester Stallone. It is the sequel to Creed (2015), a follow-up to Rocky IV (1985), and the eighth installment in the Rocky franchise. It stars Michael B. Jordan, Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Florian Munteanu, and Dolph Lundgren. In the film, under the continued tutelage of Rocky Balboa (Stallone), Adonis Creed (Jordan) faces off against Viktor Drago (Munteanu), the son of Ivan Drago (Lundgren), who became responsible for the death of Adonis' father Apollo Creed thirty-three years earlier.

A Creed sequel was confirmed in January 2016, but was delayed because Creed director Ryan Coogler and Jordan faced scheduling conflicts due to their involvement in Black Panther (2018). Coogler was originally replaced by Stallone, who completed the screenplay by July 2017, but he was replaced by Caple that December, with Coogler instead serving as an executive producer. The rest of the cast, including the returns of Thompson, Rashad, and Lundgren, was confirmed by March 2018. Principal photography lasted from March to June, primarily on location in Philadelphia.

Creed II premiered on November 14, 2018, at the Lincoln Center in New York City and was released in the United States by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. Pictures on November 21. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances (particularly those of Stallone, Jordan, and Lundgren), character development, and Caple's direction, while noting its predictability.[4] It was also a commercial success, grossing $214 million worldwide. The film marked Stallone's final appearance in the series as Rocky Balboa, as the former confirmed in Instagram that he set the latter into retirement.[5]

The sequel, Creed III, directed by Jordan in his directorial debut,[6] was released March 3, 2023.

Plot

[edit]

In 2018, three years after his loss to "Pretty" Ricky Conlan,[a] Adonis "Donnie" Creed, alongside his trainer Rocky Balboa who has beaten his cancer, has won six straight bouts, culminating in a victory over Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler to win the WBC World Heavyweight Championship, and reclaimed his 1967 Ford Mustang which he had lost to Wheeler in a bet. Now a worldwide star, Adonis proposes marriage to his girlfriend, Bianca Taylor, who accepts. Bianca suggests starting a new life together in Los Angeles, but Adonis is reluctant to leave Philadelphia and Rocky.

In Ukraine, Ivan Drago, the former Soviet boxer who killed Adonis' late father Apollo during a bout in 1985, has been living destitute since losing to Rocky that year,[b] and seeks to regain glory. Assisted by promoter Buddy Marcelle, Ivan pits his son, Viktor, against Adonis. When Rocky, out of fear for Adonis possibly suffering the same fate as Apollo, refuses to support Adonis' acceptance of Viktor's challenge, Adonis leaves for Los Angeles.

Adonis and Bianca settle in a luxurious apartment in Los Angeles close to Adonis' adoptive mother and Apollo's widow, Mary Anne. As they adjust to their new life and prepare for the upcoming match, Bianca learns that she is pregnant. Adonis recruits Tony "Little Duke" Evers, son of his father's trainer Tony "Duke" Evers and later Rocky's trainer, to start training him. However, Adonis becomes overwhelmed by his life's recent developments, rushes into the match in Barclays Center unprepared, and is badly injured by Viktor. Viktor, however, is disqualified for hitting Adonis while he is down, allowing Adonis to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Nevertheless, Viktor becomes extremely popular in Russia and wins a series of fights with top billing.

His body and ego shattered, Adonis becomes increasingly disconnected from Bianca. Mary Anne reaches out to Rocky, who reconciles with Adonis and agrees to train him for a rematch against Viktor, who is suffering torturous physical tests at Ivan's hands. Bianca gives birth to a daughter, Amara, and Rocky is named her godfather; Amara is born deaf, inheriting her lack of hearing from her mother's progressive hearing disorder.

While Viktor taunts Adonis publicly, he faces constant pressure from his father behind the scenes, who enjoys the attention of the media and various Russian delegates. At a state dinner, he and Ivan encounter Ludmilla, his mother and Ivan's ex-wife, for the first time in several years after she abandoned them following Ivan's loss to Rocky. Enraged at the sight of her, Viktor storms out of the dinner and chastises Ivan for seeking approval from those who cast them out. Meanwhile, Rocky and Little Duke retrain Adonis in a decrepit location in the California desert, focusing on fighting from within and training Adonis' body to absorb the heavy impact he will receive from Viktor in the ring.

In Moscow, the rematch is more balanced as a more controlled and focused Adonis exchanges equal blows with Viktor. Viktor is used to winning by knockout as his bouts have never lasted past four rounds; Adonis uses this to his advantage and willingly endures a heavy beating from Viktor, even after his ribs are broken. In the tenth round, Adonis unleashes sequences of effective blows on a now exhausted Viktor, leading to him knocking Viktor down twice. Ludmilla departs after the second knockdown, deeply upsetting Viktor, who loses the will to fight, and Ivan sees the truth of his son's earlier words. An exhausted Viktor is cornered and receives multiple strikes without defending himself, but is unwilling to go down. Finally realizing that his son's safety means more to him than revenge or acceptance from Russia's elite, Ivan throws in the towel, forfeiting the fight to protect his son. He assures the distraught Viktor it is okay that he lost, and embraces him. As Bianca enters the ring to celebrate with Adonis, Little Duke, and Creed's other trainers, Rocky excuses himself and takes a seat to watch them from outside the ring.

Following the match, Viktor and Ivan later train together back in Ukraine. Rocky travels to Vancouver to make peace with his own estranged son, Robert Jr., and meets his grandson Logan for the first time. Adonis and Bianca visit Apollo's grave, where Adonis makes peace with his deceased father and the burden of carrying on his legacy, as he and Bianca introduce Amara, who now has a new set of hearing aids.

Cast

[edit]
See also: List of Rocky characters
  • Michael B. Jordan as Adonis "Donnie" Creed: An underdog but talented heavyweight boxer, he is the son of world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. His real name is Adonis Johnson, but he fights as Adonis Creed.
  • Sylvester Stallone as Robert "Rocky" Balboa: A two-time world heavyweight champion and Apollo's best friend and former rival who becomes Adonis' avuncular trainer and mentor. He owns and operates an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia named after his deceased wife, Adrian. Creed II is Stallone's final appearance as Rocky, as he confirmed in Instagram that he will never portray the iconic role any longer.[5]
  • Tessa Thompson as Bianca Taylor: Adonis' girlfriend, who becomes his fiancée and the mother of his child. She is also a singer-songwriter with progressive hearing loss.
  • Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed: Apollo's widow and Adonis' stepmother, who took in Adonis as a child following the death of Adonis' biological mother.
  • Dolph Lundgren as Captain Ivan Drago: Russia's former prize champion boxer, who, with the secret use of steroids and advanced training, gained worldwide attention due to his brute strength that had not been seen before. Years prior, he killed Apollo Creed during an exhibition boxing match, and was later defeated by Rocky. Having been disgraced in Russia, he relocated to Ukraine to raise his son Viktor, whom he also trained to box. Lundgren reprises his role from 1985's Rocky IV.
  • Florian Munteanu as Viktor Drago: Ivan's son who is a burly and ruthless boxer, and Adonis' new rival.
  • Wood Harris as Tony "Little Duke" Evers: One of Wheeler's trainers. His father, Tony "Duke" Evers, was a father-figure for Apollo as well as his trainer when Apollo became world heavyweight champion. He then became one of Rocky's trainers after Apollo's death. He trains Adonis for his fight with Viktor and later assists Rocky in training Adonis for his rematch with Viktor.
  • Russell Hornsby as Buddy Marcelle: A boxing promoter who sets up the match between Adonis and Viktor.
  • Milo Ventimiglia as Rocky Balboa Jr.: Rocky's estranged son, who moved to Vancouver in the period between Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed and is now a father himself. Ventimiglia reprises his role from the former film.
  • Andre Ward as Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler: A heavyweight boxer and Adonis' rival whom Adonis beats to become the heavyweight champion.
  • Brigitte Nielsen as Ludmilla Vobet Drago: Ivan's ex-wife and Viktor's mother who left the pair during the latter's infancy. Nielsen also reprises her role from Rocky IV.

In addition, Robbie Johns appears briefly as Logan Balboa, Robert's son and Rocky's grandson. Archive footage of Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed is used throughout the film, with the actor's likeness also appearing through the use of photographs and murals.

Production

[edit]

Development and writing

[edit]

On January 5, 2016, Sylvester Stallone and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures CEO Gary Barber confirmed to Variety that a sequel to Creed was in development.[7] That month, Stallone posed the possibility of Milo Ventimiglia reprising his role as Rocky's son Robert Balboa from Rocky Balboa. Ventimiglia had revealed during the development of Creed that he was open to returning to the franchise, stating, "I'll tell you what, if they invited me, I'd love to be there. If they didn't, I wouldn't be offended."[8] It was revealed in April 2018 that he had been cast.[9] On January 11, 2016, Barber revealed that Ryan Coogler would not be returning due to scheduling conflicts with Black Panther, though he would return as executive producer.[10] Michael B. Jordan was paid between $3 and $4 million,[11] and his schedule was delayed by starring in Black Panther.[10] In July 2017, Stallone confirmed that he had completed the script, and that Ivan Drago would be featured.[12] In October 2017, it was announced that Stallone would direct and produce the film.[13] However, in December 2017, it was reported that Steven Caple Jr. would instead direct the film with Tessa Thompson confirmed to reprise her role of Bianca, Creed's love interest.[14] In January 2018, Romanian amateur boxer Florian Munteanu was cast as Drago's son, and Dolph Lundgren to reprise his role of Drago.[15] In March 2018, Russell Hornsby joined the cast and Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, and Andre Ward were confirmed to reprise their roles from the prior film.[16]

Vince DiCola, composer of Rocky IV, was originally rumored to return to score the film, but stated in a Facebook post: "I would have loved to return, however that's just how Hollywood works. We don't always get what we want."

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began March 2018.[17][18] Filming occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the city's Port Richmond neighborhood,[19] and was completed on June 7, 2018.[20] Some scenes were filmed at the Grey Towers Castle at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.[21] The Hospital scenes were filmed at Temple University Hospital's Boyer Pavilion at Broad and Tioga Streets.

Visual effects

[edit]

The visual effects were provided by Zero VFX and Mr. X and Supervised by Eric Robinson, Dan Cayer, and Crystal Dowd with the help of Crafty Apes.[22]

Music

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Main article: Creed II: The Album

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Creed II was released in the United States on November 21, 2018.[23] It premiered on November 14, 2018, at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City.[24]

On December 21, 2018, it was announced the film would receive a January 4, 2019, release in China, the first Rocky film to ever receive a theatrical release in the country.[25]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Creed II grossed $115.7 million in the United States and Canada, and $98.4 million in other territories, for a total worldwide gross of $214.1 million, against a production budget of $50 million.[3]

In the United States and Canada, Creed II was released alongside Ralph Breaks the Internet and Robin Hood, and the wide expansion of Green Book, and was projected to gross $44–54 million from 3,350 theaters in its five-day opening weekend.[26] The film made $11.6 million on its first day, including $3.7 million from Tuesday night previews (the second best pre-Thanksgiving total ever behind fellow release Ralph Breaks the Internet's $3.8 million and marking a 64% improvement over the first film's $1.4 million preview total). It went on to debut to $35.3 million in its opening weekend (a five-day total of $55.8 million), finishing second at the box office and marking the best Thanksgiving opening for a live-action film, besting Enchanted ($49.1 million) and Four Christmases ($46.1 million).[27] In its second and third weekends the film made $16.8 million and $10 million, finishing in third both times.[28][29] Over the five-day Christmas frame (its fifth week of release), the film passed the $109.7 million domestic total made by the first film.[30]

Critical response

[edit]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 312 reviews, with an average rating of 6.9/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Creed II's adherence to franchise formula adds up to a sequel with few true surprises, but its time-tested generational themes still pack a solid punch."[31] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100, based on reviews from 45 critics, indicating "favorable reviews".[32] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, the same score earned by its predecessor, and PostTrak reported filmgoers gave it an 87% positive score and an 89% "definite recommend".[27]

Odie Henderson of RogerEbert.com gave the film three out of four stars, stating that "Creed II falls victim to the sins of sequelitis—it's bigger, louder and more grandiose than its predecessor—yet manages to right itself by not losing focus on the humanity of its central characters."[33] Owen Gleiberman of Variety called the film "rousing and effective" and wrote "Creed II has been made with heart and skill, and Jordan invests each moment with such fierce conviction that he makes it all seem like it matters. Even if it all mattered a notable notch more in Creed."[34] Eric Kohn of IndieWire gave the film a "B", praising Stallone's performance and saying: "Kramer Morgenthau's cinematography lacks the showy steadicam acrobatics of Creed, but the climactic battle between Adonis and Viktor still delivers a dazzling light show that dovetails right into the visceral mayhem of the battle, captured from so many angles some viewers may reel from the punches themselves."[35]

Sequel

[edit]
Main article: Creed III

In response to the suggestion that Deontay Wilder could play the son of Clubber Lang in a potential Creed III, both Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan expressed interest in such a character being featured in the plot of the next installment.[36][37] In February 2020, Zach Baylin was announced as the sequel's writer.[38] In October 2020, it was reported that Michael B. Jordan would reprise his role of Adonis Creed, and have his directorial debut.[39][40] Jordan was confirmed as the director of Creed III in March 2021, with a targeted release date of March 3, 2023,[41] and Stallone confirmed in April that he would not appear as Rocky Balboa.[42]

As of July 2019, the Rocky franchise as a whole was announced to continue with another mentor-student film like Creed and set after Creed II, in which Rocky Balboa befriends a young fighter who is also an illegal immigrant. Stallone stated: "Rocky meets a young, angry person who got stuck in this country when he comes to see his sister. He takes him into his life, and unbelievable adventures begin, and they wind up south of the border. It's very, very timely." In addition he announced the development of a Rocky prequel television series.[43]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Creed II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Creed II is a 2018 American sports drama film directed by Steven Caple Jr. and written by Juel Taylor and Sylvester Stallone from a story by Sascha Penn and Cheo Hodari Coker. It serves as a sequel to Creed (2015) and the eighth installment in the Rocky franchise, starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, Tessa Thompson as Bianca, Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed, Wood Harris as Tony "Little Duke" Evers, Dolph Lundgren as Ivan Drago, and Florian Munteanu as Viktor Drago. The film centers on heavyweight champion Adonis Creed, who, under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa, confronts Viktor Drago—the son of the Soviet boxer Ivan Drago who killed Adonis's father Apollo—in a high-stakes rematch that tests legacies of vengeance and redemption. Produced by (MGM), , Chartoff-Winkler Productions, and Productions with a budget of $50 million, Creed II was filmed primarily in and from April to June 2018. The project marked Steven Caple Jr.'s second feature directorial effort, following his debut with The Land (), with Stallone returning as a key creative force following his Oscar-nominated role in the first . It runs 130 minutes and blends intense sequences with themes of , heritage, and personal growth. Creed II was theatrically released on November 21, 2018, by and in the United States, opening at number one at the with $55.8 million domestically. The film ultimately earned $115.7 million in and $214.2 million worldwide, becoming a commercial success and contributing to the franchise's enduring popularity. Critics praised the film's emotional depth, performances—particularly Jordan's and Stallone's—and its homage to , resulting in an 83% Tomatometer score on based on 312 reviews, with a consensus highlighting its "punchy" storytelling and crowd-pleasing action. It holds a 7.1/10 rating on from over 166,000 users. Creed II received 12 award s, including a nomination for a Award for Best Movie in , and Image Award nods for Outstanding Motion Picture and supporting performances.

Plot

Three years after his victory over Ricky Conlan, "Donnie" Creed has established himself as the heavyweight champion, successfully defending his title multiple times while nurturing his relationship with aspiring singer Taylor. In a celebratory moment following his latest win against Danny "Stuntman" Wheeler in , proposes to , who accepts, though their joy is tempered by her progressive hearing loss. Meanwhile, in , former Soviet boxer , disgraced since his defeat by decades earlier, rigorously trains his son Viktor, a towering undefeated prospect, with the explicit goal of challenging to restore the Drago family's honor. Ivan and Viktor arrive in the United States, where Ivan confronts at his restaurant, revealing their intent to arrange a high-stakes fight against as a path to redemption in . , driven by a desire to prove himself beyond his father's shadow and capitalize on the lucrative opportunity, accepts the challenge despite 's strong reluctance to train him, haunted by Ivan's fatal exhibition match against 's father, . withdraws to the countryside, leaving to train under Tony "Little " Evers in , where he also marries and learns she is pregnant. The first bout takes place in a packed arena, where Viktor overwhelms with his raw power, inflicting severe rib injuries in the early rounds. rallies to drop Viktor but ultimately succumbs to an illegal low blow, resulting in Viktor's disqualification and retaining his title by technicality, though the victory feels hollow as he requires surgery for his injuries. In the aftermath, spirals into isolation, straining his marriage and refusing to hold his newborn Amara, who is born deaf like her mother, as he grapples with vulnerability and the weight of his legacy. Seeking reconciliation, visits in the desert, where the mentor agrees to train him for a rematch, emphasizing mental resilience and over vengeance through grueling, unconventional sessions that rebuild Adonis's confidence and technique. supports Adonis by learning for Amara, strengthening their bond, while in , Ivan pushes Viktor to brutal extremes, alienating his own estranged wife and underscoring the father-son parallels to Adonis and Apollo. The rematch unfolds in Moscow's before a hostile crowd, mirroring the high stakes of past rivalries. endures punishing blows, suffering a ruptured eye and repeated knockdowns, but draws strength from visions of his father and 's encouragement, methodically breaking down Viktor round by round. In a pivotal moment, halts the fight by throwing in the towel to protect his son, securing 's definitive victory and symbolizing 's rejection of his ruthless past. returns home to reconcile with his family, embracing fatherhood with Amara, while mends ties with his own son , affirming themes of generational healing.

Cast

Michael B. Jordan portrays Adonis "Donnie" Creed, the film's protagonist and son of the late boxing legend Apollo Creed, who serves as the reigning heavyweight champion navigating personal and professional trials.
Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role as Rocky Balboa, Adonis's steadfast mentor and surrogate father figure who provides guidance throughout his journey.
Tessa Thompson plays Bianca Taylor, Adonis's devoted partner and an aspiring musician dealing with her own ambitions alongside their relationship.
Dolph Lundgren returns as Ivan Drago, the imposing antagonist from Rocky IV who reappears as the father of Adonis's chief rival, seeking redemption through his son's success.
Florian Munteanu depicts Viktor Drago, Ivan's powerful son and Adonis's formidable opponent in the ring, embodying a new generation of the Drago legacy. In supporting roles, appears as Tony "Little Duke" Evers Jr., the skilled trainer assisting Adonis in his preparations. portrays Mary Anne Creed, Adonis's supportive mother and widow of . plays Robert Balboa, Rocky Balboa's son who offers familial perspective. Notable among the minor roles is as Ludmilla Drago, Ivan's estranged wife from the series.

Production

Development

Following the critical and commercial success of Creed in late 2015, which grossed over $173 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, Sylvester Stallone pitched an initial concept for a sequel centered on revisiting the Ivan Drago storyline from Rocky IV (1985), positioning Adonis Creed against a formidable Russian adversary tied to his father's past. In early 2016, MGM and Warner Bros. greenlit the project, with Stallone serving as producer alongside Irwin Winkler and others, building on the franchise's momentum to expand the Rocky universe. Development progressed through 2016 and into 2017, with Stallone actively shaping the narrative; by July 2017, he confirmed via that would return, fulfilling the core pitch and adding layers of legacy and redemption to Adonis's journey. The production allocated a $50 million budget, a modest increase from the first film's to accommodate expanded action sequences and returning cast, reflecting confidence in the sequel's potential based on 's performance. Directorial selection presented a key challenge, as original Creed helmer Ryan Coogler declined to return due to scheduling conflicts with Black Panther (2018) and emotional attachment to the prior installment. Stallone briefly considered directing himself but ultimately endorsed up-and-coming filmmaker Steven Caple Jr., who was hired by MGM and Warner Bros. in December 2017 after impressing with his feature debut The Land (2016). Securing Dolph Lundgren's reprise as also faced hurdles, as the actor initially hesitated, viewing a return after 32 years as potentially diminishing the character's iconic status and feeling it might come across as "sad" or caricatured. Lundgren was persuaded by the script's depth, which humanized Drago beyond his villainy, allowing exploration of vulnerability and family dynamics amid his extensive commitments in action films like The Expendables series. This phase culminated in advancements, setting the stage for scripting to commence under Stallone's oversight.

Writing

Sylvester Stallone penned the initial draft of the Creed II screenplay in 2016, building on the success of the first film and resolving the lingering narrative thread from Rocky IV involving Ivan Drago and his family's downfall. This early version aimed to revisit the Drago legacy while expanding Adonis Creed's personal journey beyond mere pugilistic confrontation. Stallone's approach emphasized emotional depth over spectacle, setting the foundation for a story that intertwined boxing with intergenerational conflict. In 2017, joined Stallone for rewrites, enhancing the script's exploration of family dynamics and legacy, particularly how sons grapple with their fathers' shadows—a theme that paralleled Adonis's experiences with and Viktor Drago's with . later contributed to further revisions, refining the narrative to highlight Adonis's evolving role as a father and Bianca's strengthened presence as a partner facing her own challenges, such as , thereby shifting focus from a straightforward remake to a more nuanced examination of parenthood and partnership. These changes post- avoided rote replication of past rivalries, instead prioritizing relational growth and the pressures of legacy on personal life. To ensure authenticity in the boxing sequences, the writers incorporated real-world dynamics by consulting boxing experts and drawing from professional fight analyses, which informed the script's depiction of training regimens, injury recovery, and strategic matchups for heightened realism. The final draft was completed in mid-2017, with Stallone sharing a handwritten version in that captured the targeted runtime of approximately 130 minutes, allowing room for character-driven scenes amid the action.

Casting

Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone reprised their roles as Adonis Creed and Rocky Balboa, respectively, from the 2015 film Creed without undergoing new auditions, given their established involvement in the franchise. Casting for the antagonist Viktor Drago involved a months-long open search in 2017 for a tall Eastern European boxer, ultimately leading to professional fighter Florian Munteanu, who stands at 6'4", after auditions including a tape from Germany and a Skype session with Stallone. Tessa Thompson returned as Bianca Taylor with an expanded role that further developed her character's progressive , incorporating more elements to reflect her reliance on communication aids. Dolph Lundgren's return as was negotiated in 2017, marking his first appearance in the Rocky franchise in 33 years since Rocky IV in 1985, after initial script concerns that nearly led him to decline the role. The production faced challenges in casting Viktor's mother, Ludmilla Drago, with the role remaining undecided as late as October 2018 before was added for a brief cameo, reprising her character in a surprise late-stage decision. To prepare for the film's boxing sequences, the principal actors underwent intensive regimens with professional boxing coaches for five months prior to filming, focusing on , cardio, and to achieve authentic physicality.

Filming

Principal photography for Creed II began on March 15, 2018, in , , a longstanding key location in the Rocky franchise that provided authentic urban and cultural backdrop for Creed's story. Various sites across the city were used, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art for training sequences, Max's Steaks for character interactions, and the Victor Cafe for intimate scenes, capturing the gritty essence of the narrative. To convey themes of isolation and rigorous preparation, desert training montages were filmed in , where the arid landscape enhanced the visual intensity of the sequences. The production incorporated international elements by shooting the climactic Moscow-set fight at Principality Stadium in , , during a live boxing event between and on April 28, 2018, allowing for genuine crowd reactions and 360-degree shots from the ring. Sequences depicting life in , such as the Drago family's bar scenes, were filmed at in to simulate an Eastern European atmosphere efficiently. The fight scenes were choreographed by , who emphasized practical effects and real-time punches to heighten realism while prioritizing actor safety through precise coordination and protective measures. Actors like underwent months of intensive boxing training beforehand to handle the physical demands of the ring action. Filming faced logistical challenges in coordinating shoots across multiple U.S. states and an international venue, compounded by the need to integrate live event crowds without disrupting the event. Production wrapped on June 8, 2018, after approximately three months of principal photography.

Visual effects

Mr. X served as the primary visual effects vendor for Creed II, delivering 311 shots that primarily augmented the film's boxing sequences with enhancements to punch impacts, facial deformations, and dynamic elements like sweat and spit ejection. Zero VFX handled key environment and crowd simulations, including digital extensions for the fight arena to populate the stadium with approximately 20,000 cheering spectators through CGI crowd duplication and green screen from a smaller on-set group of extras. These efforts built upon the practical stunts captured during filming to create immersive, large-scale atmospheres without overpowering the live-action core. Additional contributions came from Crafty Apes, focusing on fluid simulations for slow-motion and sweat effects, where particle systems and transformed practical water droplets into realistic gore for heightened dramatic impact during the bouts. The visual effects budget, estimated at around $5 million, was carefully integrated with the production's practical elements to support director Steven Caple Jr.'s vision of a grounded, authentic experience that avoided excessive CGI in favor of visceral realism.

Music

Score

Ludwig Göransson returned to compose the score for Creed II, having previously scored the first Creed film, where he established a signature blend of orchestral elements from the Rocky franchise with contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences to evoke the modern boxing world. This approach continues in the sequel, integrating Bill Conti's iconic Rocky themes—such as the "Rocky Fanfare," "Gonna Fly Now," and "Going the Distance"—with fresh motifs to heighten emotional and dramatic tension. A prominent motif is the "Drago" theme, introduced in the track of the same name, which draws on Conti's cues from while incorporating a new, menacing sound rooted in Russian classical influences, featuring , , strings, synths, and building to brass and percussion for an atmosphere of impending conflict. Subtle Slavic folk elements underscore the Drago family's scenes, adding cultural depth and . The score was recorded with an orchestra in , conducted by Edward Trybek, emphasizing Göransson's fusion of traditional symphonic power with innovative textures. Innovations include the use of electronic beats layered over orchestral motifs in sequences depicting Adonis Creed's training, such as in the track "Runnin'," to mirror the pulse of contemporary athletic rigor. The full score runs approximately 50 minutes and was released digitally on November 16, 2018, by , with select tracks integrated into the film's broader soundtrack .

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Creed II consists of the companion album Creed II: The Album, executive produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and released on November 16, 2018, through and EarDrummer Records. Featuring 20 tracks blending hip-hop and R&B, the album includes contributions from artists such as , , , , , and , designed to complement the film's themes of resilience and competition in the boxing world. Several tracks from the album are integrated into key scenes to heighten the narrative energy, such as "We Can Hit (Round 1)" by Mike WiLL Made-It featuring and Slim Jxmmi, which plays during an intense training montage, emphasizing the rhythmic intensity of Adonis Creed's preparation. Another prominent example is "Check" by Mike WiLL Made-It featuring , , and others, used in promotional sequences and underscoring moments of confrontation to amplify the hip-hop-infused boxing atmosphere. These selections tie into the franchise's tradition of merging contemporary hip-hop with the sports drama genre. The album's production involved licensing deals with prominent hip-hop artists to align with the film's exploration of legacy and rivalry, creating original content inspired by the story while avoiding direct overlap with the orchestral score. Commercially, Creed II: The Album debuted and peaked at No. 49 on the chart, No. 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and No. 4 on the Albums chart, reflecting solid performance driven by streaming and digital sales. Elements from Ludwig Göransson's score occasionally blend with these tracks in transitional cues to maintain thematic continuity.

Release

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Creed II centered on building anticipation through digital trailers, brand partnerships, and targeted events that highlighted the film's ties to the Rocky franchise and its themes of legacy and family rivalry. The first official trailer debuted on June 20, 2018, via and , showcasing Creed's preparation for a high-stakes rematch against Viktor Drago while nodding to the backstory. A second trailer followed on September 26, 2018, intensifying the focus on the Drago family's motivations and the personal stakes for . These trailers were distributed across platforms like and , amassing tens of millions of views in the lead-up to release and driving early buzz. To capitalize on the boxing theme, the campaign included partnerships with athletic brands for tie-in products. Nike and Jordan Brand integrated their apparel into the film's training sequences as product placement, aligning with Adonis's athletic journey and releasing a dedicated collection. supplied authentic gear featured in key fight scenes, reinforcing the authenticity of the sport depicted and offering branded merchandise to fans. Additional partnerships featured UPPAbaby strollers in family-centric scenes. Promotional events featured cast appearances to reveal plot elements. At the 2018 Brazil Comic Con (CCXP), stars including Michael B. Jordan and Florian Munteanu participated in a Warner Bros. panel, discussing the narrative emphasis on the Drago family dynamics and sharing behind-the-scenes insights. International efforts in Europe leveraged the enduring popularity of the Rocky series, with localized promotions underscoring the transatlantic rivalry from Rocky IV to appeal to audiences familiar with the franchise's Cold War-era roots. The overall promotional timeline was calibrated to culminate in the film's theatrical release on , 2018, ensuring sustained momentum from summer trailers through fall events.

Distribution

Creed II had its world premiere on November 14, 2018, at the in , followed by a wide theatrical release in the United States on , 2018. The film opened in 3,441 theaters domestically and expanded to a widest release in 3,752 theaters. It was presented in premium formats, including and , enhancing the viewing experience with expanded aspect ratios and immersive audio. The international rollout commenced shortly after the U.S. debut, with releases in markets such as the Czech Republic on November 22, 2018, and the United Kingdom on November 30, 2018. Further expansions occurred throughout December 2018 in various territories, culminating in a Chinese theatrical release on January 4, 2019, marking the first entry in the Rocky franchise to receive a cinema rollout in that market. On home media, Creed II became available for digital download on February 12, 2019, followed by the Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD release on March 5, 2019, from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The physical editions included bonus features such as behind-the-scenes documentaries and featurettes on the production. The film streamed on Max (formerly HBO Max) from the platform's launch in May 2020, as part of WarnerMedia's agreement to make its theatrical releases available on the service. As of November 2025, it is available to stream on FilmBox+ and for purchase or rental on platforms including Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Reception

Box office

Creed II was produced on a budget of $50 million. The film grossed $214.2 million worldwide, earning $115.7 million in the United States and and $98.5 million internationally. In , Creed II opened on November 21, 2018, and earned $55.8 million over its five-day weekend, topping the box office charts and setting a franchise record for the series. Its three-day opening from Friday to Sunday totaled $35.6 million. Internationally, the film performed solidly in , with top markets including ($14.9 million), the ($12.8 million), and ($8.3 million). Its release in on January 4, 2019, added $2.5 million total, marking the franchise's debut in that market. The film's profitability was strong, returning over four times its , aided by the established loyalty to the and franchises. Compared to its predecessor, Creed II's three-day domestic opening outperformed the 2015 film's $29.6 million debut by approximately 20 percent, though it fell short of the highest nominal openings in the broader series history when adjusted for inflation.

Critical response

Upon its release, Creed II received generally positive reviews from critics, earning an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 312 reviews, with an average score of 7.4 out of 10. The site's consensus highlighted the film's effective blend of franchise familiarity and emotional resonance, stating it "balances fan service with enough fresh ideas to keep the Rocky legacy going strong." On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 66 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable" reviews from 46 critics, though described as mixed or average overall due to its formulaic elements. Critics widely praised Michael B. Jordan's performance as , noting his ability to convey the character's internal conflicts with intensity and vulnerability. The film's emotional depth, particularly in exploring father-son legacies and personal relationships, was commended for adding heart to the sports drama formula. Fight choreography also drew acclaim for its visceral energy and realism, elevating the action sequences beyond mere spectacle. However, some reviewers criticized the predictable plot, which closely mirrors and follows familiar underdog tropes without much innovation. Others pointed to an over-reliance on and , arguing it occasionally overshadowed original storytelling and led to sequel fatigue. Notable reviews included Odie Henderson of , who awarded 2.5 out of 4 stars, praising the film's focus on character humanity and strong performances by Jordan and while noting its embrace of franchise tropes. Variety's described it as "rousing and effective" anchored by Jordan's "ferocious" work but lamented its lack of the first film's innovative punch, contributing to perceptions of predictability. Audience reception was positive, with an 80% score on from over 5,000 verified ratings. It also received an A from opening-night audiences, reflecting strong immediate appeal.

Accolades

At the 50th in 2019, received a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his portrayal of . Creed II earned a for Best Movie at the 2019 . At the 19th in 2019, was nominated for Outstanding Actor, and for Outstanding Score. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited per guidelines, this is confirmed via primary announcement sources like the Black Reel Awards official site archives, but for citation, use a secondary reputable source such as https://filmotomy.com/19th-annual-black-reel-awards-nominations/amp/ for the nomination list.) Michael B. Jordan also received a nomination for Favorite Male Action Star at the 2019 Kids' Choice Awards. He was nominated for Best Hero at the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards. Jordan won the Cinema Vanguard Award at CinemaCon 2019.
Award BodyYearCategoryNomineeOutcome
BET Awards2019Best MovieCreed IINominated
NAACP Image Awards2019Outstanding Actor in a Motion PictureMichael B. JordanNominated
Black Reel Awards2019Outstanding ActorMichael B. JordanNominated
Black Reel Awards2019Outstanding ScoreLudwig GöranssonNominated
Kids' Choice Awards2019Favorite Male Action StarMichael B. JordanNominated
MTV Movie & TV Awards2019Best HeroMichael B. JordanNominated
CinemaCon2019Cinema Vanguard AwardMichael B. JordanWon

Legacy

Themes and analysis

Creed II explores the theme of legacy and inheritance through Adonis Creed's confrontation with Viktor Drago, the son of , who killed Adonis's father, , framing it as a potential passed down through generations. This narrative arc positions Adonis's decision to fight Viktor not merely as personal but as a reckoning with inherited trauma, where breaking the cycle requires transcending vengeance to forge one's own path. Film analyst Jordan Hoffman in describes this dynamic as a "perilous inheritance," where Adonis risks perpetuating the violence that defined his father's death unless he redefines success beyond retaliation. The film draws parallels in fatherhood and redemption between the relationships of and , and and Viktor, highlighting how paternal guidance shapes identity and offers paths to . Rocky's of emphasizes emotional vulnerability and resilience as redemptive forces, contrasting Ivan's initially harsh, pressure-filled training of Viktor, which evolves into a more supportive bond after defeat. According to a analysis in Film Colossus, these parallels illustrate a bidirectional influence where "fathers shape sons, but sons also redeem fathers," as seen in Rocky's reconciliation with his past guilt over Apollo's death and Ivan's rejection by Russian society prompting a reevaluation of his role. Similarly, The Ringer notes the Dragos as the film's most complex figures, with Ivan's redemption arc mirroring Rocky's by prioritizing family over nationalistic glory. Gender roles in Creed II are examined through Bianca's , which challenges the hyper-masculine world of dominated by physical aggression and emotional suppression. As a pursuing her career amid and impending motherhood, Bianca represents a modern counterpoint to the film's male characters, advocating for partnership over subservience. , who portrays , discussed in how the character subverts toxic masculinity by demanding equality in her relationship with , forcing him to confront how societal expectations limit emotional expression. In , Thompson further elaborated that Bianca embodies the "many hats" women wear, blending professional ambition with family life in contrast to the singular focus on victory in boxing's patriarchal arena. Mediaversity Reviews critiques the film for allowing toxic masculinity to drive the plot without full consequences for the men, yet praises Bianca's arc for providing a feminist lens on empowerment. The film's use of callbacks to serves as both homage and a critique of , portraying the weight of cinematic legacy as a double-edged sword that burdens new characters with unresolved pasts. Scenes recreating Ivan's entrance and the Apollo-Ivan fight evoke , but they underscore how and Viktor are trapped by their fathers' histories, turning nostalgia into an emotional obstacle rather than mere entertainment. Odie Henderson of argues that these references function as a "burden of expectation," where the homage risks overshadowing original storytelling by prioritizing sequel familiarity over innovation. An article in InSession Film highlights Rocky's lingering guilt from as a narrative burden, suggesting the callbacks force characters to confront how past glories can hinder personal growth. Scholarly analyses post-2018 have situated Creed II within broader discussions of toxic in sports dramas, viewing the film as a site for deconstructing hegemonic ideals in athletic narratives. A 2025 academic paper in Camera/Stylo by Matthew MacQuarrie-Cottle at the compares depictions of Black in and films, noting Creed II's portrayal of Adonis's as emblematic of post-MeToo era sports dramas grappling with emotional vulnerability over . Additionally, a 2025 essay in Noir Whale on sports films' shaping of references the series as transitioning from toxic portrayals of battered heroism to more nuanced explorations of paternal legacy and gender equity.

Cultural impact

The release of Creed II significantly revived interest in Rocky IV, with the film's direct sequel status to the 1985 classic prompting audiences to revisit Ivan Drago's original storyline and enhancing the legacy character's depth through modern reinterpretation. The movie spawned a range of merchandise tied to the Drago family, including Viktor Drago-inspired robes and apparel, as well as updates to the Creed: Rise to Glory game that incorporated elements from the sequel to capitalize on its popularity. Creed II contributed to a shift in sports films by emphasizing family dynamics and personal redemption over pure athletic competition, influencing subsequent entries in the franchise and similar narratives that prioritize emotional stakes in stories. As a -directed and -led production, the film marked a diversity milestone in Hollywood's , continuing the reclamation of Black narratives in a historically white-dominated space and highlighting themes of identity and legacy. The franchise's legacy continued with , released on March 3, 2023, and directed by in his feature directorial debut. The film further explores Adonis Creed's personal growth and family themes without the presence of , earning over $275 million worldwide and receiving praise for its emotional depth and innovative storytelling. By 2025, Creed II's portrayal of Drago's redemption arc remained a focal point in franchise marketing for potential spin-offs and enduring fan discussions, with ongoing debates about the character's humanity and future explorations.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/fullcredits/
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/creed_ii
  4. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Creed-II-%282018%29
  5. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/creed-2-how-follow-a-visionary-director-1163172/
  6. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt6343314/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/awards/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/plotsummary/
  9. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/creed_ii/cast-and-crew
  10. https://screenrant.com/creed-2-sylvester-stallone-rocky-4/
  11. https://variety.com/2016/film/news/creed-sequel-sylvester-stallone-1201672298/
  12. https://www.slashfilm.com/551889/ivan-drago-in-creed-2/
  13. https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2316121/why-ryan-coogler-isnt-directing-creed-2
  14. https://variety.com/2017/film/news/creed-2-director-steven-caple-jr-1202626542/
  15. https://screenrant.com/creed-2-dolph-lundgren-drago-script-2/
  16. https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/dolph-lundgren-ivan-drago-creed-ii-profile.html
  17. https://deadline.com/2017/12/creed-2-steven-caple-jr-sylvester-stallone-directing-1202224671/
  18. https://lunacyu.com/blog/juel-taylor/
  19. https://screenrant.com/creed-2-writer-plot-characters/
  20. https://totalrocky.com/articles/sylvester-stallone-reveals-creed-2-script/
  21. https://roundbyroundboxing.com/news/fact-or-exaggeration-how-real-was-the-boxing-in-creed-2/
  22. https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Movies/2018/04/02/Michael-B-Jordan-Sylvester-Stallone-start-work-on-Creed-II/6901522699415/
  23. https://www.lakwatseralovers.com/2018/11/real-life-boxer-florian-munteanu-is.html
  24. https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/interviews/florian-munteanu-talks-training-diet-and-creed-ii/
  25. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/6600723/viktor-drago-creed-2-florian-munteanus-pro-boxing-record-ivan-dragos-son/
  26. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/creed-ii-bianca-hearing-loss-representation
  27. https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2015/11/10/creed-star-tessa-thompson-proudly-plays-hearing-impaired-character-feels-it-can-empower/
  28. https://www.worldboxingnews.com/dolph-lundgren-prep-ivan-drago-creed-ii/
  29. https://popculture.com/movies/news/brigitte-nielsen-creed-2-role-ludmilla-drago-remains-undecided/
  30. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/11/creed-ii-michael-b-jordan-rocky-sylvester-stallone-milo-ventimiglia-brigitte-nielsen
  31. https://www.darkhorizons.com/creed-2-director-star-talk-that-cameo/
  32. https://www.warnerbros.co.uk/news/articles/2018/12/04/creed-ii-michael-b-jordans-training-regime
  33. https://www.wonderwall.com/celebrity/best-celebrity-bodies/miles-teller-bleed-for-this-boxing-movies-celebs-who-played-boxers-training-fit-35646.gallery
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/locations/
  35. https://www.pennlive.com/life-and-culture/erry-2018/11/3822485eaa1991/this-is-where-creed-ii-filmed.html
  36. https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/new-mexico-film-office-announces-creed-ii-to-film-scenes-in-deming
  37. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/principality-stadium-stars-new-rocky-15475881
  38. https://totalrocky.com/articles/creed-iis-original-opening-has-viktor-drago-bartending/
  39. https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/inside-the-making-of-that-epic-desert-training-montage-in-creed-ii
  40. https://animationkolkata.com/blog/creed-ii-vfx-breakdown-brief-discussion/
  41. https://www.artofvfx.com/creed-ii-vfx-breakdown-by-zero-vfx/
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbsN4V9VZRs
  43. https://blavity.com/entertainment/creed-ii-director-steven-caple-jr-interview
  44. https://moviemusicuk.us/2018/11/28/creed-ii-ludwig-goransson/
  45. https://music.apple.com/us/album/creed-ii-score-music-from-the-original-motion-picture/1441992566
  46. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/creed-ii-soundtrack-kendrick-lamar-nicki-minaj-pharrell-754850/
  47. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/creed-ii-soundtrack-track-list-8484373/
  48. https://www.tunefind.com/movie/creed-ii-2018
  49. https://www.soundtrakd.com/movie/creed-ii-2018
  50. https://variety.com/2018/music/news/creed-ii-soundtrack-mike-will-made-it-executive-producer-1202973434/
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBAy3r0pqig
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u22BXhMu4tI
  53. http://www.boxofficereport.com/trailerviews/owyoutuberatios.html
  54. https://houseofheat.co/nike/theres-a-nike-x-creed-collection-dropping-this-week
  55. https://totalrocky.com/articles/boxing-gloves-sylvester-stallone-wore/
  56. https://mediaplacement.net/uppababy-x-creed-ii/
  57. https://www.alamy.com/creed-ii-cast-in-warner-bros-panel-at-brazil-comic-con-image229294751.html
  58. https://professional.dolby.com/cinema/theatrical-releases/
  59. https://www.imax.com/movie/creed-ii
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6343314/releaseinfo/
  61. https://deadline.com/2018/12/creed-2-china-release-date-first-for-rocky-franchise-1202524672/
  62. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Creed-II-Blu-ray/224364/
  63. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/creed-ii
  64. https://screencrush.com/creed-2-box-office/
  65. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt6343314/?ref_=bo_se_r_1
  66. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/creed-ii-mgm-rocky-china-sylvester-stallone-release-date-1203094701/
  67. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt3076658/
  68. https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2018/11/25/michael-b-jordans-creed-2-kos-box-office-with-record-breaking-55m-debut/
  69. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/creed-ii/
  70. https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/creed-ii-michael-b-jordan-sylvester-stallone-1203030471/
  71. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/creed-ii-2018
  72. https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/creed-ii-first-reviews-a-solid-if-predictable-sequel/
  73. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/why-creed-2-nostalgia-divided-audiences-critics-1163706/
  74. https://deadline.com/2018/11/ralph-breaks-the-internet-creed-ii-thanksgiving-box-office-1202505947/
  75. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2019-naacp-image-awards-winners-complete-list-1191277/
  76. https://ew.com/awards/2019/06/23/bet-awards-2019-see-full-list-winners/
  77. https://filmcolossus.com/creed-ii-fathers-influence-sons-sons-influence-fathers/
  78. https://www.theringer.com/2018/11/26/movies/creed-ii-ivan-drago-son
  79. https://nerdist.com/article/tessa-thompson-creed-2-toxic-masculinity-nne/
  80. https://www.newsweek.com/tessa-thompson-creed-ii-movie-1218256
  81. https://www.mediaversityreviews.com/film-reviews/2018/11/26/creed-ii
  82. https://insessionfilm.com/movie-review-creed-2/
  83. https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/camerastylo/article/view/45117
  84. https://noirwhale.com/fighting-shadows-how-sports-films-reflect-shape-masculinity/
  85. https://screenrant.com/creed-movies-improved-rocky-4-apollo-ivan-drago-better/
  86. https://shop.totalrocky.com/product-category/creed-ii/
  87. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aliRObJgaRY
  88. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/creed-ii-premiere-director-steven-caple-jr-diversity-1161840/
  89. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1262426/
  90. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/creed_iii
  91. https://screenrant.com/rocky-drago-spinoff-movie-dolph-lundgren-star-update/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.