Reasons Behind Ryan Coogler’s Absence as Director for Creed II

Despite the tremendous success of the original Creed movie, writer and director Ryan Coogler was not at the helm for Creed II. The esteemed Rocky franchise initially launched in 1976, with Sylvester Stallone portraying the eponymous boxer. Over the course of the 70s and 80s, the franchise garnered immense popularity, solidifying Rocky’s status in cinematic history. Stallone reprised his iconic role in 2006’s Rocky Balboa, which served as a fitting farewell to Rocky as a professional boxer, leaving the future of the series uncertain.

The release of Creed in 2015, which centers on Adonis Creed, the son of beloved character Apollo Creed, dramatically revitalized the saga. The film received widespread acclaim, boasting a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (source: Rotten Tomatoes). It is noteworthy that Creed currently holds the title of the highest-rated installment in the Rocky/Creed series. Featuring a talented cast including Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Phylicia Rashad, the film’s success can be attributed to Coogler’s ability to weave a profoundly emotional narrative that pays homage to the franchise. Yet, he did not return to direct its sequel, 2018’s Creed II.

Why Ryan Coogler Did Not Direct Creed II

Ryan Coogler’s Passion for Creed

Although Coogler received accolades for his directorial work on Creed, he did not return for its sequel. In a 2018 interview with Variety, Coogler explained that his absence was primarily due to timing. He was engrossed in the production of Black Panther, which overlapped with the filming schedule for Creed II. Furthermore, he hinted that studio pressure led to a rushed release for the sequel in 2018. Coogler expressed his emotional connection to the original film and the relationships he forged during its making, particularly with Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Sylvester Stallone. His full remarks reflect his sentiment:

I mean of course it was possible. Creed was about my dad and me, so it’s a movie that I find difficult to watch. It’s difficult for me to even think about it, I’ve got so many emotional ties to it, not to mention how much I care about the people involved. I care deeply for Mike, obviously, deeply for Tessa, and I grew incredibly close with Sly in making that. These are people that I wanna see do well and win at all costs. There’s timing, and that film for whatever reason it had to go when it’s going. I think it’s a blessing that it’s going, man. It’s amazing that they found an incredible filmmaker in Steven Caple Jr., who’s a guy I actually went to film school with, who I have a lot of love and respect for. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.

Considering the commercial success of the first movie, which grossed over $174 million against a $35 million budget (source: Box Office Mojo), it comes as no surprise that producers sought to capitalize on its momentum by expediting a sequel. If the timing had permitted, Coogler would have likely welcomed the opportunity to direct Creed II, making his absence a disappointment for fans keen to see his vision for the sequel.

Steven Caple Jr. Takes the Helm for Creed II

A Strong Performance Across the Franchise

Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed in Creed III

With Coogler unable to return, Steven Caple Jr. directed Creed II. While the sequel did not achieve the same critical acclaim as its predecessor, holding an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it nonetheless garnered favorable reviews and proved to be a commercial hit, raking in over $214 million. This success clearly warranted the production of a third installment. Interestingly, Caple Jr. did not reprise his role as director for Creed III.

Creed Movies	Worldwide Box Office	RT Critics Score
Creed (2015)	$174,167,581	95%
Creed II (2018)	$214,215,889	83%
Creed III (2023)	$276,148,615	89%

Instead, Michael B. Jordan took on directing duties for Creed III, following a legacy established by Stallone, who also directed several entries in the franchise. Creed III marked another triumph both commercially and critically, paving the way for a fourth installment, which has been greenlit. Jordan will direct Creed IV, making him the first director to return in the series. Consequently, even in Coogler’s absence for Creed II, the ongoing success of the franchise continues to shine.

Source: Variety

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