There is no other movie franchise in history quite like the “Rocky” movies.
What began in 1976 as a scrappy boxing movie starring and written by a then-unknown Sylvester Stallone is now an eight-film story that continues to follow the adventures of Rocky Balboa (Stallone), as well as Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), a young boxer who was taken under Balboa’s wing in 2015’s “Creed.”
“Creed” was a massive success, proving there is still life in this franchise.
The $35 million movie ended up earning over $109 million at the domestic box office.
“Creed II,” in theaters now, finds Adonis fighting his most personal battle yet. A Russian boxer with nothing to lose wants to go head-to-head with Adonis; and this Russian boxer is the son and trainee of Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), the man who killed Adonis’ father in the ring in 1985’s “Rocky IV.”
Balboa later defeated Drago in a match — and the former hero of the Soviet Union holds a bit of a grudge and sees his son as an opportunity to regain past glory and right the wrongs against him.
Related: ‘Creed II’ Trailer Brings the Return of Rocky Balboa Vs. Ivan Drago
The “Rocky” franchise continues to be one of the most reliable around with its new chapter. What’s so surprising about this film is how the cast and crew have managed to take what is largely considered a goofy ’80s movie — but still a classic — and treat the consequences of that story with delicacy and shocking realism.
“Creed II” follows the formula of a “Rocky” movie to the letter, but that’s not really a bad thing.
After all, there’s a reason this franchise is still going strong.
Related: ‘Rocky’ Turns 40, Still Inspires
“Creed II” also continues the “Rocky” franchise’s patriotism and themes of individualism, family, faith, and ambition. It’s a franchise that continues to argue the merits of hard work, passion and the American dream.
Faith is the specific subject of a new trailer for the film.
LifeZette is debuting this new trailer here. Readers and viewers can see new footage from the film and get a better glimpse at this franchise’s close relationship with faith and family.
“Creed II” was directed by Steven Caple Jr. and stars Michael B. Jordan (pictured above left), Sylvester Stallone (above right), Tessa Thompson, Dolph Lundgren, and Florian Munteanu. The film was written by Stallone, Cheo Hodari Coker, Sascha Penn, and Juel Taylor.
Ryan Coogler, who directed the original “Creed,” executive-produces this time around.
Check out the new trailer to “Creed II” below:
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