The iconic Rocky franchise, known for its legend of boxing and perseverance, continues to evolve with new projects. Recently, producer Irwin Winkler provided exciting updates on the next installment of the Creed series, along with revelations about an intriguing film focusing on the original Rocky and how it came to be made. This news has stirred the interest of fans eagerly awaiting the future of their beloved stories.
Since the release of the first Creed film back in 2015, the series has successfully revitalized the franchise, pushing aside the shadow of the original films and bringing about fresh narratives and characters. Now the anticipation is building for Creed IV, with Winkler confirming, “[We're] doing a 'Creed IV' with Michael B. Jordan starring and directing again, so we're just working on a script right now. We hope that's a couple of years from now, and that'll be the end for a little bit.” This statement sparks hope for fans who have been eager to see how Adonis Creed's story continues.
Although Creed IV remains firmly in development limbo, Winkler's enthusiasm remains infectious. There are discussions surrounding the return of characters, with Michael B. Jordan expressing interest in bringing Jonathan Majors back for the sequel, promising fans of the franchise lively and potentially dramatic confrontations.
Meanwhile, Winkler also revealed he is involved with another fascinating project: a film chronicling the backstory of the making of the original Rocky, which starred and was written by Sylvester Stallone. Sharing insights about this film, Winkler stated, “There's an interesting movie... how it actually went through, and they're casting my part right now... I suggested Brad Pitt, but he was too old. I was younger at the time.” His amused reflection on offering his part to Pitt highlights the intersection of film history and personal experiences.
The new Rocky film aims to weave the narrative of how Stallone's sports drama transitioned from script to stage and its impact on audiences and the film industry alike. This exploration is expected to provide audiences with insights not just about its production but also the incredible determination of Stallone, who fought against the odds to get Rocky made.
Listeners may find echoes of the popular The Offer series, which documented the saga behind the making of The Godfather. Winkler’s film is anticipated to capture similarly captivating behind-the-scenes stories and challenges faced by the original Rocky team.
Compounding the excitement surrounding these upcoming projects is Winkler's command over the Mafia film spectrum. His latest venture, The Alto Knights, features Robert De Niro, portraying real-life mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. Winkler is confident this film, addressing pivotal moments of history within the mafia world, will resonate with audiences and bring attention to this often-overlooked chapter of America’s criminal past. This film is slated for release on March 21, 2025.
With Winkler at the helm, the Rocky franchise seems poised to continue its storied legacy, connecting new generations of fans with the powerful narratives first presented on-screen decades ago. Updates on both Creed IV and the new Rocky project will likely become more frequent as production progresses, igniting excitement and intrigue within the film community.
From the original underdog athlete to the contemporary struggles of Adonis Creed, the Rocky franchise has never shied away from imparting lessons about determination and self-belief. This next chapter not only seeks to inspire but also pays homage to the cinematic footprint these films have left behind. Film enthusiasts and casual viewers alike will undoubtedly keep watch as the story continues to develop, bridging past narratives with future endeavors.
The waiting game is always hard, but the assurance of spectacular filmmaking from dynamic characters assures fans the love for the Rocky saga will only grow stronger.
