Creed 4’s Flawless Narrative Signals a Bright Future for the Rocky Franchise with Potential for More Sequels

The highly anticipated Creed 4 is officially in the works, marking it as the fourth installment in the Creed series and the tenth film in the iconic Rocky franchise. First introduced in 1976, the Rocky saga began with Sylvester Stallone’s work both in front of and behind the camera, achieving critical acclaim and commercial success. Nearly 50 years later, the franchise remains vibrant, with Creed 4 poised to continue its legacy in the world of boxing cinema.

The Rocky series has experienced its share of ups and downs over the decades, but a significant revitalization occurred with the release of the first Creed film in 2015. This installment introduced audiences to Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed, the son of the legendary boxer Apollo Creed. Under the watchful eye of Rocky Balboa, Adonis embarked on a journey to carve out his own identity in the heavyweight division. This film played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the Rocky narrative, which had hit a lull due to Stallone aging out of the boxing role. The Creed films have breathed new life into the franchise, suggesting that the story is far from over.

The Focus of Creed 4: Mentorship

Introducing a New Young Boxer

The narrative arc of Creed has followed Adonis from a young, determined boxer training under the mentorship of Rocky to achieving success as a heavyweight champion. Creed II showcased his ascent to the pinnacle of boxing, while Creed III introduced an unexpected twist, where Adonis chose to retire. Yet, he returned to the ring to face his childhood friend Damian Anderson, leaving audiences wondering about his future.

As Creed 4 approaches, there is speculation that Adonis will shift his focus from competing to training a prospective champion. The film could explore the budding potential of a new character, possibly even hinting at his daughter Amara’s future aspirations in boxing—though she may be too young to anchor the storyline. Alternatively, the narrative could revolve around another boxer who trains at Adonis’ gym, positioning him in a mentorship role.

Paving the Way for Future Sequels

Launching a New Era in the Franchise

Creed III effectively depicted Adonis as a boxer nearing the end of his competitive career, making it less plausible for him to continue boxing at the same level in Creed 4. Although Michael B. Jordan remains youthful, the evolution of Adonis’ character suggests he is ready to transition into the role of a mentor, just as Apollo Creed did for Rocky in Rocky III.

With Creed III establishing Adonis as a skilled promoter advocating for new talent, Creed 4 stands as an ideal opportunity to feature him guiding a younger boxer. This new protagonist could take the helm of the franchise, much like Adonis did with Rocky, ensuring the continuity of the series.

Legacy as a Core Theme: A Perfect Setup for Sequels

Adonis’ Commitment to Legacy

The overarching theme of legacy is woven throughout the fabric of the Rocky and Creed narratives. From Rocky Balboa to Apollo Creed, and now Adonis Creed, the significance of legacy resonates deeply. This theme was heightened after the release of Creed, with Adonis striving to honor and surpass his father’s legacy—an endeavor he grappled with in earlier films. However, by the conclusion of Creed III, it is clear that Adonis has emerged as an accomplished boxer in his own right.

Every Rocky/Creed Movie	RT Critics Score
Rocky (1976)	93%
Rocky II (1979)	70%
Rocky III (1982)	65%
Rocky IV (1985)	39%
Rocky V (1990)	32%
Rocky Balboa (2006)	78%
Creed (2015)	95%
Creed II (2018)	83%
Creed III (2023)	89%

Adonis began his journey as an immature young boxer but has now evolved into a wise and thoughtful character. With the responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood, he has learned the importance of making wise choices. Given the absence of key mentors in his life, Creed 4 could serve as an ideal platform for Adonis to mentor a new generation of fighters, imparting the invaluable lessons he learned from his own experiences.

Source & Images