Actor Michael B. Jordan is making waves both in front of and behind the camera. The star is set to direct the next installment of the ‘Rocky’ franchise with the upcoming ‘Creed’ movie. This news comes amidst controversy between Michael B. Jordan and key producer, Sylvester Stallone.
The announcement was made by Irwin Winkler at an event in Los Angeles on Saturday. Winkler confirmed that ‘Creed IV’ is happening and that Michael B. Jordan will not only star in the film but also take on the role of director. The news has sparked excitement among fans of the ‘Rocky’ franchise and Michael B. Jordan’s work as a director.
According to Deadline, Winkler revealed that production for ‘Creed IV’ is set to begin sometime in 2024, with pre-production starting in about a year. This announcement is good news for Michael B. Jordan, especially considering the success of the previous film in the franchise, ‘Creed III’.
However, news of Michael B. Jordan directing the new film has not come without controversy. Sylvester Stallone, the iconic actor who portrayed the character of Rocky Balboa, has expressed major concerns with Irwin Winkler’s handling of the ‘Rocky’ franchise. Stallone has called on Winkler to give him an ownership stake in the intellectual property, citing his role as the creator of the ‘Rocky’ character and story.
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Despite the controversy, Michael B. Jordan is forging ahead with his directorial aspirations for ‘Creed IV’. However, this decision has come as a blow to Sylvester Stallone, given that the character of Rocky was not featured in the latest film. Stallone expressed his disapproval of the direction that Michael B. Jordan and Irwin Winkler were taking with the ‘Rocky’ franchise but wished them well nonetheless.
The situation is made more complex by the release of a Netflix documentary titled “Sly”, which has renewed attention on Stallone’s love for the ‘Rocky’ franchise. The documentary explores the creation of the iconic film and emphasizes how ‘Rocky’ remains a significant part of Stallone’s life.
While Sylvester Stallone has not directly addressed Irwin Winkler in the documentary or in public statements, it is clear that he has strong opinions about the franchise and his role within it. As for his involvement in ‘Creed IV’, it doesn’t appear that Stallone will be part of the project at this stage, although Michael B. Jordan has left the door open for potential collaboration in the future.
As the drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the tension between the parties involved will impact the creation and production of ‘Creed IV’. Despite the controversy, the news of Michael B. Jordan directing the film has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. As the ‘Rocky’ saga continues to evolve, the future of the franchise is as unpredictable and compelling as ever.
