Even though the first Creed movie was a mᴀssive success, writer and director Ryan Coogler did not return to direct Creed II. The Rocky franchise began in 1976 with Sylvester Stallone playing the тιтular boxer. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Rocky became one of the most popular movie franchises in the world. Stallone returned to the role for 2006’s Rocky Balboa, but this film acted as Rocky’s swan song as a boxer. Therefore, after 2006, it was unclear if there was ever going to be another movie in the series.

2015’s Creed, which follows Adonis Creed, the son of fan favorite character Apollo Creed, completely revitalized the Rocky series. Reviews for Creed were outstanding upon its release, and the film currently has an impressive score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes (via Rotten Tomatoes). In fact, Creed is the highest-rated Rocky/Creed movie. The cast of Creed includes Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad. Creed was so successful because writer/director Ryan Coogler managed to tell a deeply emotional story that honored the Rocky franchise. However, Coogler did not return to direct the sequel, 2018’s Creed II.

Ryan Coogler Didn’t Direct Creed II Because Of “Timing”

Ryan Coogler Clearly Loved Making The First Creed Movie

Even though Coogler was applauded for his work on the first Creed film, he did not return to write and direct Creed II. In an interview with Variety in 2018, Coogler revealed that he didn’t direct Creed II because of timing. After Creed, Coogler started working on Black Panther, so he was busy with the Marvel movie while the sequel was being filmed. However, even though he was quite vague, Coogler also hinted that Creed II was rushed by the studio to have a 2018 release date. Read Coogler’s full comment below:

I mean of course it was possible. Creed was about my dad and me, so it’s a movie that I find difficult to watch. It’s difficult for me to even think about it, I’ve got so many emotional ties to it, not to mention you know how much I care about the people involved. I care deeply for Mike, obviously, deeply for Tessa, and I grew incredibly close with Sly in making that. These are people that I wanna see do well and win at all costs. There’s timing, and that film for whatever reason it had to go when it’s going. I think it’s a blessing that it’s going, man. It’s amazing that they found an incredible filmmaker in Steven Caple Jr., who’s a guy I actually went to film school with, who I have a lot of love and respect for. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.

It makes sense that the producers wanted Creed II to be released not long after the first movie. After all, Creed made over $174 million on a budget of just $35 million (via Box Office Mojo). Therefore, the studios involved wanted to capitalize on the success of the spinoff franchise. However, it seems like Coogler would have been open to returning to direct Creed II if the timing worked out better. It is disappointing that Coogler couldn’t direct Creed II, as it would have been great to see what he would have done with the sequel.

Steven Caple Jr. Directed Creed II (But Didn’t Return For Creed III)

Every Creed Movie Has Received Impressive Reviews

Since Coogler couldn’t return for Creed II, the sequel ended up being directed by Steven Caple Jr. Even though reviews for Creed II weren’t as strong as the first film’s reviews, the movie still performed well with critics. Creed II has an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and earned over $214 million at the box office. Therefore, just like its predecessor, Creed II was a huge success, which made it clear that a third film in the series needed to be made. However, Caple Jr. did not return to direct Creed III.

Instead, franchise star Michael B. Jordan stepped into the director’s chair for Creed III. By directing Creed III, Michael B. Jordan continued a longstanding Rocky franchise tradition, since Stallone also directed multiple entries in the series. Creed III was another commercial and critical success, which led to Creed 4 being greenlit. Jordan will also direct Creed 4, making him the first returning director in the Creed series. Therefore, even though Coogler didn’t return to direct Creed II after the praise he received from the first film, the Creed series has still been incredibly successful.

Source: Variety