Michael B. Jordan Returns to Direct Creed 4: A Milestone for the Franchise

Michael B. Jordan's Directorial Journey with the Creed Franchise

The latest update for Michael B. Jordan and Creed 4 means the franchise is breaking an eight-year trend. Michael B. Jordan took on an elevated role in regard to the Creed franchise with the third installment. Not only was it the first movie not to include Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa and his shadow over Adonis Creed, but the sequel served as the directorial debut for Michael B. Jordan. This mark was not specific to the franchise itself, as Creed III was the first movie that the franchise star directed in his entire career. It has now been confirmed that Michael B. Jordan is directing Creed 4 as well.

Adonis Creed focused and sizing up his opponent before launching his next attack in Creed III's opening

The likelihood of Creed 4 happening grew in the lead-up to the third film's release, as reviews were overwhelmingly positive and Jordan made his intentions known about expanding the franchise in various directions. That brought with it the hope that the franchise star would remain just as focused on being a significant steward of the franchise behind the camera in addition to his work in front of it. Now that it has been stated that he will be directing the fourth installment of the franchise, that intention is guaranteed. It also means that the Creed franchise is doing something it never has before.

Michael B. Jordan as Adonis and Tessa Thompson as Bianca in Creed 3.

Creed 4: A Groundbreaking Decision for the Franchise

Irwin Winkler confirmed the return of Michael B. Jordan as Creed 4's director, making it the first movie in the Rocky spinoff franchise to keep the previous film's director. The idea for the series was originally the creation of Ryan Coogler, and it was his work on the first Creed that proved the franchise was back in a major way. The film's success brought opportunities for him to do much more, such as helming Black Panther for Marvel Studios. That decision meant Ryan Coogler could not return to direct Creed II, leading to Steven Caple Jr. taking over the director's chair.

Amara and Adonis training in Creed III

The sequel was another strong success for the franchise, providing Caple Jr. with a chance to helm Transformers: Rise of the Beasts next. His exit left the job open for Michael B. Jordan to fill. It could have been easy for Creed 4 to continue the franchise's trend of letting a new voice take control with each new installment. In doing so, the Creed movies might have helped elevate another Black director's standing in Hollywood, but it also brings more risk that a new take could swing the series in the wrong direction.

Michael B Jordan in Creed 3 in a boxing gym looking contemplative

Michael B. Jordan's Impact on the Rocky Franchise

Michael B. Jordan's decision to direct Creed 4 also has a greater significance in terms of the Rocky franchise overall. It makes him one of three people to direct multiple movies in the series. Sylvester Stallone became the first person to direct multiple Rocky movies by helming Rocky II and Rocky III back-to-back. He went on to then direct Rocky IV, took a break for the fifth installment, and then returned to behind the camera for Rocky Balboa. Other than Stallone, John G. Avildsen is the only other person to direct more than one installment, as he helmed Rocky and Rocky IV.

Adonis and Damian look at each other

The elevation of Michael B. Jordan's presence in the overall Rocky franchise history is notable. He still needs several more sequels to match Sylvester Stallone's records for directing and starring in this franchise, but it is quite clear that he's committed to steering the universe in the right direction. In addition to being the third person to direct at least two movies in the franchise, Creed 3 and Creed 4 will mark the first time since 1985 that a Rocky sequel retains the previous installment's director.

Collage of Sylvester Stallone in Rocky IV and Michael B Jordan in Creed III