Sylvester Stallone will reprise his famous Rocky Balboa role in 'Rocky' spin-off movie, 'Creed'.
The actor-and-producer has teamed up with 'Fruitvale Station' director Ryan Coogler and the film's buzz-worthy star Michael B. Jordan, who will play the grandson of original 'Rocky' character Apollo Creed - played by Carl Weathers in previous films - for a new chapter in the franchise.
According to Deadline, the film is a passion project for Coogler and the director reportedly pitched the idea to Stallone, who immediately jumped on board and agreed to produce and star in the film. The pair then wowed executives at movie studio MGM, who own the rights to the 'Rocky' franchise, resulting in the film being green-lit.
In the new movie, Jordan will play the grandson of Rocky's rival-turned-confidante, Apollo Creed, who turns to the champion boxer to help train him in the ring. Impressed by the sprightly young upstart's athletic ability, the ageing Rocky is coaxed out of retirement and agrees to help his late pal's relative.
Apollo Creed appeared in the first four 'Rocky' movies and was initially introduced as the titular character's toughest opponent in the boxing ring, but the pair soon grew to respect each other and became friends. The popular character was killed off in 1985's 'Rocky IV' after taking a fatal blow in the ring.
'Creed' will mark the seventh movie in the 'Rocky' franchise, which first hit the big screen in 1976. Since then, Stallone has reprised the role in numerous sequels - most recently including 2006's 'Rocky Balboa'.
Both Coogler and Jordan have earned Oscar buzz for 'Fruitvale Station', an upcoming biopic about the fatal shooting of teenager Oscar Grant at the hands of a police officer.
Jordan - who also starred in hit sci-fi thriller 'Chronicle' - has been garnering lots of attention in Hollywood recently and is being considered a frontrunner to play the Human Torch in 20th Century Fox's 'Fantastic Four' reboot.
Tagged in Sylvester Stallone Michael B. Jordan Ryan Coogler