Creed III: Everything You Need to Know About Adonis Creed’s Return, Michael B. Jordan’s Directorial Debut, Cast, Plot, and Release Date

The highly anticipated third installment in the critically acclaimed Creed franchise, Creed III, is set to make a powerful impact on audiences worldwide. This film marks a pivotal moment, not just for the character Adonis Creed, but also for its star, Michael B. Jordan, who steps into the director’s chair for the first time. Diving deep into themes of legacy, redemption, and the inescapable grip of the past, Creed III promises an emotionally charged and action-packed cinematic experience. Ahead of its global release, a new trailer dropped during the Super Bowl, intensifying the excitement and offering a fresh glimpse into Adonis’s most personal battle yet. This time, his opponent isn’t just a challenger in the ring; he’s a ghost from his past, Damian, portrayed by the formidable Jonathan Majors, who forces Adonis to confront everything he has built and everything he stands to lose.

The Creed series, a successful spinoff of the legendary Rocky franchise, continues to expand the narrative universe established by Sylvester Stallone as the iconic boxing legend Rocky Balboa. Michael B. Jordan expertly portrays Adonis “Donnie” Creed, the illegitimate son of Rocky’s former rival and friend, Apollo Creed. The journey began with the acclaimed Creed in 2015, followed by the equally successful sequel, Creed II, released in 2018. Both films garnered significant critical praise and box office success, solidifying the franchise’s place in modern sports drama cinema. With Michael B. Jordan now at the helm as director, Creed III is poised to deliver a fresh perspective while honoring the rich history of these beloved characters and propelling Adonis Creed’s story into uncharted emotional and physical territory.

This comprehensive guide compiled by HollywoodLife provides an in-depth look at everything moviegoers need to know about the upcoming Creed III. From dramatic trailers and confirmed release dates to an extensive breakdown of the talented cast and a detailed exploration of the intriguing storyline, we cover all the essential information that will prepare you for the cinematic event. Prepare to delve into the world of Adonis Creed as he faces his toughest opponent yet, a battle that transcends the boxing ring and strikes at the very core of his identity and past friendships.

Creed III Trailers: A Glimpse into the Battle Within

The promotional campaign for Creed III has steadily built anticipation, primarily through the release of two compelling trailers that tease an epic confrontation. These trailers not only showcase the film’s intense boxing action but also highlight the profound emotional depth driving the narrative. Audiences have been given a taste of the challenges Adonis Creed must overcome, emphasizing that some battles extend far beyond the ropes of a boxing ring and into the deeply personal realms of memory and loyalty.

The initial trailer for Creed III, which premiered in October 2022, immediately captivated fans by setting the stage for an intense rivalry between Adonis Creed and his childhood friend, Damian. The trailer effectively introduces Damian as a formidable and complex character, revealing that he and Donnie shared a close bond during their youth. However, Damian’s life took a drastically different turn, leading him to spend a significant portion of his life incarcerated. Upon his release, he resurfaces with a clear and unwavering goal: to reclaim everything he believes was taken from him, specifically challenging Donnie’s hard-earned success and status. The chilling declaration from Damian, “I’m coming for everything,” encapsulates the high stakes and deeply personal nature of their impending clash. This trailer underscored the notion that this isn’t just about championship belts; it’s about history, betrayal, and a desperate quest for recognition, making the fight far more than a simple sporting event.

Further fueling the excitement, a new trailer for Creed III was unveiled during the monumental 2023 Super Bowl on February 12. This latest preview amplified the emotional tension, featuring more intense action sequences and poignant dialogue that hints at the profound impact of Damian’s return. A particularly impactful moment comes when Bianca, Donnie’s wife, issues a stark warning: “Don’t let him destroy everything you’ve built.” This line highlights the profound threat Damian poses, not just to Adonis’s boxing career, but to his entire life – his family, his legacy, and his peace of mind. The Super Bowl trailer masterfully showcased the film’s blend of visceral boxing drama and compelling personal narrative, promising a cinematic event that transcends the traditional sports film genre and delves into the complexities of human relationships and enduring friendships, pushing Adonis to his absolute limits.

Where & When To Watch Creed III: Release Details

Fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Adonis Creed’s journey can mark their calendars: Creed III is scheduled for its theatrical release on March 3, 2023. This date represents a significant shift from its initially planned debut. The film was originally slated for release on November 23, 2022. However, in July 2022, an official announcement confirmed that Creed III would be pushed back to its current March 2023 slot. While such delays can sometimes be frustrating for audiences, they often allow for additional post-production work, strategic marketing, and optimal placement in the crowded film release schedule, ultimately aiming to enhance the viewer experience and maximize its box office potential.

The production of Creed III saw principal photography take place in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, spanning from January to April 2022. This metropolitan hub has become a popular location for major film and television productions, offering diverse backdrops and state-of-the-art facilities. Domestically, in the United States, the film will be distributed by United Artists Releasing, a company known for bringing a diverse range of high-profile movies to screens. Their recent successful releases include the James Bond epic No Time To Die, the stylish true-crime drama House of Gucci, and the critically acclaimed Licorice Pizza. For its global distribution, Creed III will be handled by Warner Bros., ensuring that the film reaches audiences in numerous international markets. While Creed and Creed II are currently available for streaming on Prime Video, typically requiring a rental or purchase fee, the streaming future for Creed III post-theatrical release is yet to be fully detailed, though it’s expected to follow a similar pattern, potentially landing on platforms affiliated with its distribution partners after its exclusive theatrical run concludes.

Who’s In The Cast? Meet the Powerhouse Ensemble

Creed III boasts a talented and dedicated cast, bringing depth and authenticity to its emotionally charged narrative. The film features both returning beloved characters and a compelling new addition who will challenge Adonis Creed like never before, elevating the stakes both inside and outside the boxing ring. Here’s a detailed look at the confirmed ensemble:

• Michael B. Jordan as Adonis “Donnie” Creed: The heart and soul of the franchise, Michael B. Jordan returns as the titular character, Adonis Creed. Beyond his stellar performance in front of the camera, Jordan takes on the monumental task of making his feature directorial debut with Creed III. His character, the illegitimate son of the legendary boxing world champion Apollo Creed and protégé of Rocky Balboa, has matured from a striving underdog to a dominant force in the boxing world. Now, as a family man and a reigning champion, Adonis faces a challenge that tests not only his physical prowess but also his emotional resilience and the foundations of his past, forcing him to confront personal demons he thought long buried.
• Tessa Thompson as Bianca Taylor: Reprising her role, Tessa Thompson plays Bianca Taylor, Donnie’s wife and a talented musician. Bianca’s journey has been marked by her passion for music and her personal struggle with progressive hearing loss, which she manages with hearing aids. In Creed II, her music career flourished with a recording contract, and she and Donnie welcomed their daughter, Amara, who was born deaf. Bianca serves as Donnie’s unwavering support system and moral compass, often reminding him of what truly matters amidst the chaos of his career. Her perspective is crucial as Donnie navigates the complex emotional terrain brought forth by Damian’s return, highlighting the importance of family and personal well-being over professional glory.
• Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed: The esteemed Phylicia Rashad returns as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo’s widow and Donnie’s adoptive mother. Initially hesitant about Donnie pursuing a boxing career, fearing for his safety and recalling the tragic fate of her husband, Mary Anne has since become a supportive figure in his life. Her wisdom, experience, and matriarchal presence provide a stable anchor for Adonis, offering guidance, perspective, and a vital connection to the enduring Creed legacy, serving as a beacon of familial love and strength.
• Wood Harris as Tony “Little Duke” Evers: Wood Harris portrays Tony “Little Duke” Evers, a character deeply rooted in the franchise’s history. As the son of Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa’s former trainer, Tony has served as an uncle-figure and mentor to Donnie from a young age. He eventually assumes the crucial role of training Donnie, continuing the legacy of mentorship within the Creed and Balboa boxing lineage. His guidance is invaluable as Adonis prepares for a fight that is as psychological as it is physical.
• Florian Munteanu as Viktor Drago: While details on the extent of his role in Creed III are sparse, Florian Munteanu returns as Viktor Drago, the son of the infamous Russian boxer Captain Ivan Drago. Viktor was Adonis’s formidable rival in Creed II, a deeply personal and physically grueling battle. His presence, even in a cameo or flashback, would serve as a powerful reminder of Adonis’s past triumphs and the physical toll of his career, potentially highlighting the enduring physical and emotional challenges faced by boxers and the long shadow of past rivalries.
• Jonathan Majors as Damian “Dame” Anderson: A compelling new antagonist, Jonathan Majors takes on the role of Damian, a pivotal character who serves as Donnie’s boxing opponent in Creed III. Damian isn’t just a new face; he’s a ghost from Adonis’s past, a childhood friend whose life took a tragic turn after a long stint in prison. Upon his release, he harbors deep-seated resentment and a burning desire to reclaim the life and potential he lost. Majors’ dedication to the role is evident, as he shared with Variety that he “got punched in the face about 100 times” during filming, showcasing the raw physicality and realism brought to the fight sequences. Furthermore, Majors offered insight into Damian’s character development in an interview with Men’s Health, explaining that Damian’s physical transformation and intense drive stem from profound loss. “There are certain reasons you build your body. Dame’s body was built from loss,” he stated. “He had lost something, and that hole is what made him work the way he worked. When you see Dame’s body, you go, Oh, that makes sense. You don’t look like that and be happy with life.” This background suggests a character driven by resentment, a desire for vengeance, and a yearning to reclaim a life that was taken from him, making him a deeply sympathetic yet incredibly dangerous adversary for Adonis.

Beyond the core returning cast and the powerful introduction of Jonathan Majors, Creed III also features a strong supporting cast including Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II, and Mila Davis-Kent, who portrays Adonis and Bianca’s daughter, Amara Creed. Their contributions are expected to further enrich the film’s narrative tapestry and the emotional stakes. Notably, and a significant departure from previous installments, Sylvester Stallone will not be returning in his iconic role as Rocky Balboa. While he remains part of the producing team, Stallone reportedly made the personal decision to step back from appearing on screen, feeling that Rocky’s storyline had been concluded effectively in previous films. This absence marks a new era for Adonis Creed, forcing him to stand on his own and define his legacy without the direct guidance of his beloved mentor, a poignant evolution for the character and the franchise, emphasizing Adonis’s self-reliance and maturity.

What’s The Storyline? A Battle of Past and Present

The narrative heart of Creed III beats with the intensity of a personal vendetta intertwined with the high stakes of professional boxing. After years of hard work, relentless training, and securing his place at the top of the boxing world, Adonis Creed finds himself thriving. His career is flourishing, his family life with Bianca and Amara is harmonious, and he seemingly has it all. However, this hard-won stability is violently disrupted by the unexpected return of Damian, a figure from Adonis’s deep past whose reappearance forces a reckoning with unresolved issues and difficult memories.

The official synopsis for Creed III paints a vivid picture of this unfolding drama: “After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian, 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. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose.” This synopsis underscores the core conflict: a battle that is not merely for a title, but for identity, redemption, and the very essence of their intertwined histories. Damian, once a boxing prodigy himself, lost years of his life and career while in prison. Now, he sees Adonis’s success as a direct contrast to his own lost potential, fueling a burning desire to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. His desperation makes him an incredibly dangerous opponent, as he fights with the ferocity of someone with “nothing to lose,” a stark contrast to Adonis, who has everything at stake.

The absence of Rocky Balboa from the storyline further intensifies Adonis’s personal challenge. For the first time, he must face a deeply personal demon without the direct, guiding presence of his mentor, forcing him to draw solely on his own strength, wisdom, and experience. This transition marks a true test of his growth and maturity as a man and a fighter. Even Sylvester Stallone himself commented on the script for Creed III, calling it “really interesting” and noting that it “takes it in a different direction,” expressing his well wishes for the film’s new trajectory and the future of the franchise.

Tessa Thompson, who plays Bianca, has also shed light on the film’s evolving focus. She previously told Hollywood Reporter in an interview that the third film would delve deeper into her character and her relationship with Donnie. “We’ve been making these films for almost eight years, and Mike and I have grown up a lot,” Thompson stated. “So there’s ways in which the trajectory of the characters also has an interesting sort of poetry to our own personal journeys in a lot of ways.” This suggests that Creed III will not only feature electrifying boxing sequences but also explore the intimate dynamics of family life, partnership, and personal growth, adding layers of emotional complexity to the main conflict. The film promises a powerful exploration of how past choices and relationships shape our present and define our future, all set against the adrenaline-pumping backdrop of the boxing world.

Who’s The Creative Team Behind Creed III? Visionaries at the Helm

The success of the Creed franchise owes much to the visionary talents behind the camera, and Creed III continues this tradition with a notable shift in leadership. The third installment is particularly significant as it marks the highly anticipated feature directorial debut of Michael B. Jordan himself. This transition is a natural progression for Jordan, who has been intimately involved with the character of Adonis Creed since the franchise’s inception, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the story’s emotional core. The first Creed film was expertly helmed by Ryan Coogler, whose direction set a high standard for the series, blending gritty realism with profound emotional storytelling. Creed II saw Steven Caple Jr. take the reins, successfully continuing the narrative and deepening the character arcs. Now, with Jordan directing, the film gains an unparalleled authenticity, as the man who portrays Adonis brings his deep understanding of the character’s psyche and journey directly to the creative vision. As Michael B. Jordan expressed to Deadline in March 2021 when his directorial debut was announced, “Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right. Creed III is that moment — a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the awesome responsibility of being its director and namesake.” His commitment to the role, both on and off screen, promises a deeply personal and powerful film that truly reflects his vision for Adonis’s future.

The compelling screenplay for Creed III was penned by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin, who have crafted a story that balances intense action with profound emotional depth. Their collaboration has ensured that the narrative remains true to the spirit of the franchise while exploring new themes and challenges for its characters, pushing them into new dramatic territory. Behind the scenes, a powerhouse producing team has guided the film to fruition, including Michael B. Jordan himself, alongside returning executive producers Sylvester Stallone and Ryan Coogler. Their continued involvement underscores a commitment to maintaining the franchise’s quality and vision, ensuring that the legacy of both Rocky and Creed is honored. Other key producers include Irwin Winkler, a legendary figure in the Rocky and Creed saga with decades of experience, Charles Winkler, and Jonathan Glickman, among others. This experienced team provides a robust foundation for the film’s creative and logistical execution, ensuring a high-quality production from start to finish.

Further enhancing the cinematic quality of Creed III, Kramer Morgenthau serves as the cinematographer, responsible for bringing the visual intensity and emotional nuances of the boxing world to life on screen. His expertise ensures that both the electrifying fight sequences and the quieter character moments are captured with stunning visual impact, drawing viewers deeper into the story. The film’s rhythm and pacing are expertly handled by editor Tyler Nelson, who skillfully weaves together the raw footage into a cohesive and engaging narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The collaborative efforts of these talented individuals are supported by a formidable array of production companies: Metro-Goldwyn Mayer, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, Balboa Productions, and Proximity Media. This collective brings vast experience and resources, ensuring that Creed III not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessors, delivering a memorable and impactful addition to the beloved boxing franchise that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences alike.