By Shaniece Nicole (@ShanieceNicole)
In Michael B. Jordan’s Creed III, two strong black men square off in the ring—one dealing with the resurfacing of his past (Jordan), the other seeking revenge for everything that has been taken from him (Jonathan Majors). The nucleus of the franchise’s latest installment meets Jordan (Adonis Creed) and Tessa Thompson (wife Bianca) seven years after his victory against Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu).
“I think it was important to get to a pivotal point in Donny’s career and Bianca’s career. I think we’ve seen them fall in love. We’ve seen them come together and create life in a family together. I wanted to get to the next stage, the next crossroads for them, you know? The next level of life and experience as young adults dealing with professional careers and family, and the choices that come along with that. It was a reflection of where I was in my life, professionally,” stated Jordan.
The next fork in the road will be the return of a childhood friend, Damian Anderson, played by Majors (Lovecraft Country), who has spent the majority of his childhood and adulthood in prison; a classic “frenemy” story with a showdown at the end.
Despite the fact that this is Jordan’s feature film directorial debut, fans of the Creed series shouldn’t be too concerned about Jordan’s ability to advance the franchise. When word broke that the actor would take over as lead actor and director, he was in the middle of filming the true life romantic drama, “A Journal for Jordan,” where he would study under the likes of Denzel Washington, director of Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters, and Fences.
If this isn’t enough to persuade you of Jordan’s storytelling potential, his brotherhood with Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther, Creed, and Space Jam: A New Legacy, should take the reins. Since Fruitvale Station, they have been collaborating and Jordan has been a sponge.
Jordan has been seen directing his shirtless and ripped co-star Majors in multiple locations. The much-anticipated fight between Creed and Anderson is set up nicely, with both actors changing their physical appearance in order to play the part. Although Adonis will not be joined by friend and mentor Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) this time around, the trailer suggests a more focused Creed than ever before.
Creed III is scheduled to hit theaters on March 3, 2023.
