Creed III': Can Sylvester Stallone still appear in the movie?

While it was confirmed that Stallone would not reprise his role in the film, there's no reason to believe that he will return in some capacity
Sylvester Stallone (R) and the 'Rocky' star with Michael B Jordan in 'Creed' (Getty Images/IMDb)
Sylvester Stallone (R) and the 'Rocky' star with Michael B Jordan in 'Creed' (Getty Images/IMDb)

'Creed III' sees a notable absentee in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa. Adonis Creed's mentor isn't part of the movie, or at least that's what the first trailer reveals. While it was confirmed that Stallone would not reprise his role in the film, there's no reason to believe that he will return in some capacity. 

The trailer does indicate that Rocky is alive. He was last seen visiting his son Robert in 'Creed II' and maybe that's where he decided to settle down, and have a life of his own with someone to spend his days with. Much like Milo Ventimiglia's appearance as Robert Balboa, Stallone could come back in a brief role or even a flashback. Plus, he serves as the producer of the third installment, so it makes sense to not write off the character. In addition, there is no telling how many sequels Creed' can run. The 'Rocky' franchise had six movies, but the spinoff will surely be wary of not making the mistake of stretching the storyline past a certain point, making the storyline of 'Creed III' promising.

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Stallone explained his absence in Creed 3 during an interview with Metro UK: "[I] bowed out of ['Creed 3']. I just didn't know if there was any part for me. But I hear it's really interesting. It takes it in a different direction. I wish them well and keep punching." And by the looks of it, the punching will continue, and at some point, the franchise will need him, just that the third film serves as a standalone. Maybe the fourth film sees Clubber Lang's son? It's been doing the rounds anyway.

The official synopsis reads, "When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight." The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, and Florian Munteanu in key roles.

'Creed III' hits cinemas on March 2023.

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