Back in Action‘s many references may seem like unᴀssuming jokes, but the quips referencing Michael B. Jordan and Creed have a semblance of meaning. By the time of Back in Action‘s climactic ending, the film tells a lot of jokes as an action comedy. A large portion of these jokes come at the expense of Back in Action‘s cast members, with Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz’s slightly older parent characters facing the brunt of humorous insults from their children.

However, as is the case with many other modern comedies, there are several self-referential jokes too. As far as Back in Action‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is concerned, though, these jokes could not save the movie from mixed reviews. Nonetheless, there is a lot of humor to be found throughout the film’s near-two-hour runtime, with some of the references – even the тιтle – linking to Cameron Diaz’s acting retirement. Others, such as a handful of quips linking to Michael B. Jordan and the Creed series, have slightly deeper context.

Back In Action’s Creed Jokes Connect To Jamie Foxx & The Movie’s Plot

Creed & Its Lead Actor Receive A Few Pointed References

Firstly, it is worth exploring exactly how Creed and Michael B. Jordan were referenced in Back in Action. Early in the film, Diaz’s character Emily is searching for a way to reconnect with her daughter and suggests a movie night where they can watch Creed and Creed II. Foxx’s character, Matt, makes a joke about Michael B. Jordan’s supposed usage of baby oil throughout the Rocky spin-offs and, when Emily is rebuked by her daughter, insists he will watch Creed III with her and even sport baby oil himself just like Jordan does.

Although these jokes could be written off as ways of injecting humor early into the film, Back in Action‘s usage of them actually has some deeper meaning. For one, Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan are longtime friends. The two collaborated on the 2019 film Just Mercy, with Jordan often describing Foxx as like an older brother to him. Moreover, the film’s concept of being “back in action” after a stint of retirement is a long-running trend in the Creed and Rocky series.

Back In Action 2 Should Payoff The Creed Jokes In The Best Way

The Opportunity Is Too Perfect To Miss

To capitalize on the Creed jokes, Back in Action 2 could find a role for Jordan. It is clear from Back in Action‘s ending that potential continuations have been planned, and Jordan playing a role could make for a perfect way to pay off the jokes from the first movie. Jordan could portray another spy who is either an ally or rival of Foxx’s Matt and Diaz’s Emily, or could even portray the sequel’s main villain.

Another possibility is also for Jordan to appear in a small cameo as himself. This would allow Back in Action 2 to directly reference the jokes from the first movie, such as the baby oil quip for example, and seems much more plausible regarding Jordan accepting a role in the film. Either way, Back in Action‘s sequel could capitalize on the first film’s references to Michael B. Jordan and his most popular franchise.