Sylvester Stallone will not return for ‘Creed III’

Sylvester Stallone’s beloved character, Rocky Balboa from the “Rocky” movie franchise, will not be featured in the latest “Creed” spin-off.

The 74-year-old actor will not appear in the upcoming episode “Creed III,” his representative confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Stallone starred in six “Rocky” movies as a boxing champion and then again in the two “Creed” movies as Michael B. Jordan’s mentor / trainer Adonis “Donnie” Johnson Creed – the son of Balboa’s former rival / boyfriend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers).

“Creed III” is scheduled to begin filming this year and has an expected release date of November 23, 2022. Jordan, 34, will also make his directorial debut and serve as a producer.

SYLVESTER STALLONE HINTS AT THE END FOR ‘ROCKY’ CHARACTER

Jordan previously told THR: “Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right … Creed III is that moment – a time in my life when I have become more confident of who I am, with freedom of choice in my own story , growing up personally, growing professionally, and learning from greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top directors I respect. That’s all the table for now. ”

Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky IV', released in 1985.

Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky IV’, released in 1985.
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

“This franchise and in particular the themes of Creed III are very personal to me,” added the “Black Panther” star. “I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the same responsibility as director and namesake.”

SYLVESTER STALLONE HAS ‘NO PROPERTY’ OF ‘ROCKY’ FRANCHISE

In addition to Jordan, co-star Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad will also return in their respective roles.

“Rocky” premiered in 1976 and earned more than $ 225 million at the worldwide box office, making Stallone famous.

Sylvester Stallone in a scene from 'Creed II.'  Stallone has previously said that he has 'no ownership' of the 'Rocky' character and the franchise.

Sylvester Stallone in a scene from ‘Creed II.’ Stallone has previously said that he has ‘no ownership’ of the ‘Rocky’ character and the franchise.
(Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures / Warner Bros. / AP, File)

He wrote the film and went on to receive 10 Academy Award nominations, winning three Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture trophy.

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Stallone also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Creed’ in 2019. That year he also won the Critic’s Choice Award and Golden Globe in the same category.

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