Sylvester Stallone says missing out on Creed 3 is a "regretful situation"

It's the first film in the Rocky franchise without Stallone.

By George Lewis

11 Nov 2022

Leon BennettGetty Images

Sylvester Stallone has said his absence from Creed III is a "regretful situation".

The upcoming film, which is due to be released on March 3, 2023, will be the first in the Rocky franchise without Stallone playing Rocky Balboa.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stallone explained the reasons behind his absence, lamenting the way things panned out.

"[It's] a regretful situation because I know what it could have been," he said. "It was taken in a direction that is quite different than I would’ve taken it.

"It’s a different philosophy – [producer] Irwin Winkler’s and [director/star] Michael B. Jordan’s. I wish them well, but I’m much more of a sentimentalist. I like my heroes getting beat up, but I just don’t want them going into that dark space. I just feel people have enough darkness."

Stallone, who first played Balboa in 1976’s Rocky, expanded on why he won’t be returning, saying discussions had broken down when he asked for the rights to the character.

Barry WetcherWarner Bros.

"It was a deal that was done unbeknownst to me by people that I thought were close to me and they basically gave away whatever rights I would have had,” he said. “At the time I was so excited to be working and I didn’t understand this is a business. Who knew Rocky would go on for another 45 years?"

Creed III will be the directorial debut for lead star Michael B Jordan, with the plot taking place seven years after the previous instalment.

The narrative will continue the journey of Adonis (Jordan), who comes across an old childhood friend, Damian (Jonathan Majors), who wants to take his crown at the top of the boxing world after a long stint in prison.

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