Having breathed new life into the legendary Rocky franchise as the son of Sylvester Stallone’s long-time rival, Adonis Creed, Michael B. Jordan drove the Creed films to critical and commercial acclaim.
Now, five years on from 2018’s $200 million success Creed II, Jordan is both stepping back in and out of the ring, putting on the gloves to reprise his signature role and make his debut in the director’s chair.
As Creed III’s anticipated trailer debuts, Peter Gray was invited to the launch to speak with the filmmaker about this next creative chapter in his career, what challenges he faced as a first time director, and injecting his own personal stories into the narrative.
Why did you choose Adonis Creed’s next story as your feature directorial debut? And why now?
I think it was the perfect time. Growing up on set over twenty years, starting off doing background work and extra work, (and) seeing everything evolve and how the production works. I finally got to a place in my career where I got to tell a story. To not just be in front of the camera and execute someone else’s vision.
At 35 years old I also have a lot to say as a young black man (about) my life experiences and how I could share a piece of myself. I would be talking to Ryan Coogler during Creed 1 and he would say “It’s never the right time. You just gotta jump in and do it.”
So you’ve been thinking about being behind the camera for a while? This wasn’t just something you decided to do? Sounds like this has been something on your mind since Fruitvale Station?
Yeah. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some incredible filmmakers. Some incredible mentors who I have looked to for guidance and be on that same storytelling level. I’ve been putting together these decks and folders of things that I want to try over quite some time now, so I’ve just been waiting to step up and get behind the camera.
The Rocky films, and by extension the Creed films, are massive in scope, scale and production. Coming into this, how did you manage to steer such a huge crew?
I think it was the sum of all things combined. I think my experience of being on set (and) the shorthand I have created with the cast and crew that have been around since Creed 1.
As well, you’re acting and directing and getting into that Adonis shape. How do you juggle all those elements?
I must be a little sick (laughs). It’s low key torture, but the challenge is fun. The challenge of accomplishing it all, the nature of multitasking, to stay in shape and develop the story, and to give the departments what they need. It’s hard to put into words, man. Every day was a struggle, but I had a great team of people around me. You have to surround yourself with the best people.
What are some of the key themes that are thread throughout this film? Without saying too much.
I think thematically for us, family is the core. Family and heart. You have to face your past and find out who you really are (and) that’s something we really address in this movie. Finding out where you come from is something we address (too) and settling debts. Being accountable for your actions is something we wanted to look at as well.
This movie has a lot of me in it, and hopefully a lot of other people as well. I wanted to create a story where everyone could relate to something in this movie.
Was there any element you were most nervous about in bringing this third iteration to life?
Most nervous about? Because it was coming from my own personal experience I was nervous about it connecting with people. You’re in your own head, working and creating with the writer, (but) you’re thinking “Are people gonna fuck with it!” (laughs). That’s what was going on in my head. Telling the truth in storytelling is one of the greatest gifts you can have and give.
I can imagine how mentally challenging this was. Were there any unexpected challenges?
Holding on for dear life! (Laughs) I feel like coming out of quarantine, which is the time a lot of the production was taking place, (this film) provided a lot of mental escape for me. There was nothing that I could do to prepare me for this (though). Anything I thought I was doing (to help) was never enough. Meditating was very helpful. I leaned on conversations with other directors and (their) advice. Whatever you can do in the moment to help plan your steps ahead, that’s what you gotta do in that moment.
Creed III is scheduled for release in Australian theatres on March 2nd, 2023
