First Trailer For ‘Creed’ Re-Captures The Classic Rocky Spirit

It’s certainly a risky prospect to try and make a follow up to Rocky Balboa. After years of ridiculous sequels, writer/director/star Sylvester Stallone gave us a gritty and emotional ending to his trademark character that perfectly defied the expectations that he was too old to play the role. Well, it seems that Rocky’s story will continue after all, but from a whole new perspective.

Creed stars rising talent Michael B Jordan as Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed (Rocky’s first big opponent), as he struggles to make his own boxing career work under the guidance of the now aged Balboa.

I was unsure of this project when it first picked up steam. It could go the way of a cheep cash grab, or a genuinely creative re-vamp, but it looks like Fruitvale Station director Ryan Coogler is very much opting for the latter. The look of the film is not only very reminiscent of that film, but of the original Rocky, the camera making love to the gritty underbelly of Philadelphia.

Meanwhile, Jordan seems to be giving an understated performance worthy of Sly, while the legend himself seems to be adapting very well to his new role as mentor. I was sold on this throughout the entire trailer, but the moment that made it for me is the final one in front of the mirror. That was simply fantastic filmmaking, you’ll know it when you see it. I can’t wait for this one.