Creed 3 didn’t feature Rocky Balboa after he appeared in the first two films. The third movie continues the story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky’s friend who Ivan Drago killed in Rocky IV. Stallone’s famous boxer played a pivotal role in the spin-offs, acting as Adonis’ coach in Creed and Creed 2. The character, however, didn’t return for the series’ third installment. Creed 3 has a time jump of seven years when Adonis Creed is at the highest and most successful point of his career.

Adonis couldn’t have a better home life either until his childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian Anderson, returns to the fold after his jail sentence ends. The final fight between Damian and Creed has the highest stakes of any Creed movie yet. Yet again, Creed unsurprisingly reigns supreme, though the childhood friends do end up reconciling. However, regardless of what happened in Creed 3, this time, Sylvester Stallone was nowhere to be seen, and Creed didn’t have the support of his mentor.

Why Sylvester Stallone Isn’t In Creed 3

Stallone Said Rocky Had No Place in This Story

This marks the first time Stallone hasn’t been featured in a Rocky-universe film since the franchise’s start in 1976. However, actor Sylvester Stallone has said there wasn’t a place for him in this story, and his character had no bearing on Adonis’s journey this time. It’s also understandable, considering what happened to Rocky Balboa at the ending of Creed 2. Creed 2 presented Rocky with a heavy emotional challenge as he dealt with the possibility of losing Adonis the same way Apollo Creed died in Rocky 4.

Rocky agrees to train Adonis to fight Drago’s son. Adonis beats Viktor in their final fight, after which Rocky approaches him. Extending his hand to knock fists with Adonis, Rocky told him, “It’s your time.” It was a touching moment that served as a pᴀssing of the baton for Rocky. The scene signaled that his time as a protagonist had ended and that it was time for Adonis Creed to take the spotlight. It was also a sign that Rocky was at peace, knowing that Adonis was experienced and fit enough to continue on his own.

What Happens To Rocky In Creed 2

Rocky Finally Has His Redemptive Ending

Though they only featured him in a supporting role, the first two Creed films offered an extensive character arc for Rocky. The first film saw him struggling with the idea of taking on Adonis as his protégé while also dealing with cancer. Throughout the film, though, Adonis gave the seasoned boxer a new perspective on life. By Creed 2, Rocky had recovered from his illness, but he was forced to relieve the traumatic loss of his friend, Apollo Creed, when Ivan Drago came back into his and Adonis’ life alongside his son, Viktor.

However, more importantly, Rocky Balboa reunites with his estranged son at the end of that second movie. Rocky’s son was a big part of Rocky V, where the two have a strained relationship thanks to Rocky spending more time with his surrogate son, Tommy Gunn. While it seemed they were back on the same page by the end of Rocky Balboa, it didn’t last, and his son moved to Canada and had a son of his own.

In Creed 2, Rocky finally came to terms with the fact that he never threw in the towel and was responsible for Apollo’s death. After training Adonis for this fight, he finally reunites with his son at the movie’s end. At the end of Creed 2, Balboa has his redemption arc and moment with his son and grandson, ending his story. He had no reason to return for Creed 3 because his story was finally concluded.

Can Sylvester Stallone Still Appear In Creed 4?

Stallone Is Not Interested In The Franchise’s Direction

Creed 3 confirmed that Rocky is still alive and is spending time with his son in Vancouver. While there’s a clear explanation of why Sylvester Stallone isn’t in Creed 3, Stallone made it clear he isn’t interested in Creed 4. However, while the Creed series is part of the Rocky universe, its universal themes of overcoming adversity and searching for idenтιтy allow it to exist in its storytelling bubble. Creed 4 can thrive without having the character as a central figure.

Sylvester Stallone was not in Creed 3 for another reason, and it had nothing to do with his character’s lack of need in the story. Stallone is feuding with Irvin Winkler, whom he feels has taken the franchise into a dark place that he doesn’t appreciate. Stallone sold Winkler the rights to the Rocky franchise when he was a young, struggling actor, and now he has lost control. He said that Winkler and Michael B. Jordan took the franchise in a dark direction that has lost the sentimentalism he brought to the first movie, so he has no intention of returning to Creed 4.

What Sylvester Stallone Has Said About Not Being In Creed 3

Sylvester Stallone Reveals Feud With Rocky Producer

Sylvester Stallone explained his absence in Creed 3 during an interview with Metro UK, explaining:

“Well it’s different because actually I bowed out of that one, I just didn’t know if there was any part for me. It takes it in a different direction. I wish them well and keep punching!”

From a storytelling standpoint, the actor’s decision not to return makes sense, as Creed clearly shifts its focus solely to its тιтular character. It also makes sense because Rocky has reached a new place in his life with his son and grandchild. Stretching himself out by training another surrogate son like Adonis Creed is the kind of thing that hurt his relationship with his son to begin with. This is one of many reasons Stallone also won’t be back for Creed 4, although he is also feuding with the franchise’s producer (via Variety):

That’s a regretful situation because I know what it could have been. It was taken in a direction that is quite different than I would’ve taken it. It’s a different philosophy — Irwin Winkler’s and Michael B. Jordan’s. I wish them well, but I’m much more of a sentimentalist. I like my heroes getting beat up, but I just don’t want them going into that dark space. I just feel people have enough darkness.

This feud with Irwin Winkler likely also ends the chance of Stallone making Rocky 7, which is also disappointing for franchise fans. He even shared some thoughts on the seventh movie, although he said it will never get made, thanks to Winkler. “I know it’s confusing, but I think you get the idea. Rocky was back trying to fight for the neighborhood that made him and that he still loves,” Rocky said. It sounds like his absence in Creed 3 is an omen that Stallone is finished with Rocky.