MGM and Warner Bros. announced on Tuesday that Creed 2 will be directed by Steven Caple Jr., known for his independent movie The Land. Although you would expect that directorial responsibilities for a sequel to one of the biggest movies in 2015 will go to a bigger name, it looks like the executives decided to take a gamble. Previously, Sylvester Stallone said he could direct the movie himself. According to reports, the production of the movie will start in spring of 2018.
“We could not be more fortunate and excited for the collaboration of Steven, Sly, Michael and the producers, to build upon the success of ‘Creed,'” said Jonathan Glickman president of MGM studios. “The combination of Steven’s talent and unique vision makes him the perfect director to continue the Rocky franchise’s storied lineage.”
Besides The Land, Steven Caple Jr. also worked on numerous short films including Engage the Vision and A Different Tree.
“It’s an honor to be a part of such an iconic franchise and to work with such great collaborators,” Caple said about his involvement in Creed 2. “Mike, Sly, and Tessa are extraordinarily talented and bring something special to today’s culture. I look forward to joining the family and continuing the precedent set by this franchise’s alumni of incredible filmmakers.”
After the success of Creed, Sylvester Stallone announced in 2016 that he is working on the sequel. Initial reports said that the movie targets November 2017 as the possible release date, but Creed 2’s development hit a stumbling block after the movie’s director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan signed to work on Marvel’s Black Panther. In July 2017 Stallone confirmed he finished the script for the movie and revealed that Dolph Lundgren will reprise his role as Ivan Drago from Rocky IV.
According to the short synopsis, the sequel will follow Adonis Creed on his way to become a champion while also showing how he deals with new-found fame and family issues.
