The Future of Creed: Adapting to the Absence of Jonathan Majors

The Impact of Jonathan Majors' Absence

After the critical and commercial success of 2023's Creed III, the future of the Creed franchise seemed promising. However, Jonathan Majors' recent legal issues have raised questions about the future of his character in the franchise. Majors, who portrayed Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson, faces an uncertain future in the Creed universe due to his personal trials. His character's unresolved trauma and the impending legal proceedings have cast a shadow over the potential for his return in Creed 4. This dilemma prompts a consideration of alternative paths for the franchise in light of Majors' absence.

Jonathan Majors as Damian Anderson inside a boxing ring in Creed III.

The follow-up to 2018's Creed II, Creed III, delves into the struggles of Adonis 'Donnie' Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, as he navigates the challenges of balancing family life with his professional career as a semi-retired light heavyweight boxing champion. Complicating matters is the re-entry of his troubled childhood friend, Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson, into his life, bringing with him a heavy emotional burden. The narrative of Creed III strongly implies that Damian will play a significant role in future installments, making Majors' absence a critical consideration for the development of Creed 4.

Mila Davis Kent as Amara Creed learns how to fight from Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed in Creed III.

Addressing the Absence: Potential Approaches for Creed 4

The absence of Jonathan Majors from Creed 4 presents a challenge for the franchise, but it also opens up opportunities for creative storytelling. One potential approach is to recast the role of Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson, portrayed by Majors in Creed III. While this tactic has been met with varying degrees of success in the past, it offers a way to continue the character's narrative arc and maintain the dynamic between Adonis and Damian. Alternatively, Creed 4 could introduce a new character to serve as a formidable opponent or ally to Adonis, providing fresh challenges and narrative possibilities for the franchise. Additionally, the possibility of Adonis retiring from professional boxing and taking on a mentorship role creates an intriguing avenue for exploring new characters and storylines within the Creed universe.

Michael B Jordan as Adonis Creed inside the ring in Creed III.

Recasting the role of Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson is one potential approach to addressing Jonathan Majors' absence in Creed 4. While Majors' legal issues may preclude his return, the character's narrative trajectory in Creed III suggests that his presence will be significant in future installments. Therefore, recasting the role allows the franchise to continue exploring the complex relationship between Adonis and Damian, while also providing an opportunity to introduce a new actor to the Creed universe. This approach maintains continuity while allowing for fresh interpretations of the character and his dynamic with Adonis.

Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed and Tessa Thompson as Bianca Taylor-Creed in Creed III's Poster.

Another approach for Creed 4 is to create a new antagonist or ally for Adonis, offering an opportunity to expand the franchise's gallery of characters and the challenges they present. Drawing inspiration from the Rocky franchise, which featured diverse opponents for its titular character, Creed 4 could introduce a compelling new figure to challenge Adonis, further developing his character and the overarching themes of the franchise. This approach not only addresses the absence of Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson but also opens up new narrative avenues and potential for character growth within the Creed universe.

Michael B. Jordan as Creed faces Tony Bellow as

Furthermore, the prospect of Adonis retiring from professional boxing and transitioning into a mentorship role provides a compelling direction for Creed 4. This shift in focus allows the franchise to explore new characters, including Adonis' daughter, Amara, and her journey in the boxing world. Embracing a time skip and focusing on the next generation of boxers offers a fresh perspective for the Creed franchise, while also addressing the absence of Jonathan Majors' character. By centering the narrative on new characters and their challenges, Creed 4 can carve out a distinct identity while honoring the legacy of the franchise.

Adonis "Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) on a Forbes cover in Creed III.

Charting the Future: A New Direction for Creed 4

The absence of Jonathan Majors from Creed 4 necessitates a reevaluation of the franchise's trajectory and narrative possibilities. While his character's presence was a significant factor in Creed III, the franchise has the opportunity to chart a new direction that expands the universe and introduces compelling new stories. Whether through recasting the role of Damian 'Diamond Dam' Anderson, introducing new characters, or exploring the mentorship role for Adonis, Creed 4 can redefine the franchise's identity and propel it into a new era of storytelling. By embracing change and innovation, the Creed franchise can navigate the challenges posed by Majors' absence and emerge with a fresh and captivating vision for the future of the series.

Adonis "Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) punches a tree in Creed III.