Creed 3's first trailer confirms time jump for new movie

The narrative will fast forward seven years.

By George Lewis

18 Oct 2022

Prime Video

Creed III's action-packed trailer has dropped, confirming a time jump in the process.

The film, which is Michael B Jordan's directorial debut, is set seven years after the events of the previous film, picking up with Adonis 'Donny' Creed (Jordan) and his wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson).

The couple now have a daughter, and are seemingly content with their lives, but Donny's world is about to be thrown into turmoil.

As he's returning to his car, he is greeted by Damian (Jonathan Majors), a figure from his past. His childhood friend is fresh out of prison following 18 years behind bars, and Donny invites him to his gym.

The pleasantries don't last long, however, with Damian feeling Donny took his rightful place as a boxing champion.

"Imagine spending half your life in a cell watching somebody else live your life," he says menacingly, before revealing he's coming for everything that Donny has.

Speaking to Variety, Jordan explained the decision for the leap in time, saying: "At 35 years old, I had a lot to say, as a young Black man, just my life experiences and how I could actually share a piece of myself with the world through these characters and through the story."

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He expanded on these ideas at a press conference for the film, saying: "It was important to get to a pivotal point in Donny's career and Bianca's career. I wanted to get to the next crossroads for them, the next level of life and experience as young adults dealing with professional careers and family and the choices that come along with that."

The film, which is being co-written by Ryan Coogler (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), will be the first film in the Rocky franchise not to feature Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, with Jordan previously saying they wanted to "build the franchise around Adonis".

Creed III will be released in cinemas on March 3, 2023.