'Creed' Trailer Release: Sylvester Stallone Returns as Rocky Balboa, Michael B. Jordan as Apollo's Son; Film To Open November 25

By Staff Writer

Jul 02 2015, 04:05 AM EDT

For those who thought they have seen the last of Rocky Balboa when the franchise had its titular installment back in 2006, well they are all mistaken. Warner Bros, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and New Line Cinema are yanking the iconic boxer back to the big screen with Ryan Coogler's "Creed"; and they have just released its first trailer, featuring Sylvester Stalone and Michael B. Jordan. The upcoming "Rocky" spinoff is scheduled to hit the big screen this November 25.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, Rocky Balboa's return will now give emphasis on a new generation and new star of the boxing ring. Michael B. Jordan stars the franchise's upcoming film as Adonis Creed, son of Rocky Balboa's rival-turned-friend, Apollo Creed, who was played by Carl Weathers in the first four films.

"Creed" follows Adonis and his drive in becoming a fighter after facing so many discouragements, which includes the reminder that his father, whom he never met, died in the boxing ring. In the 2-minute trailer, we see him gearing up for a fight. Though Stallone was featured in the later part of the clip, it also features the veteran boxer training the young man probably for a fight.

As per Coming Soon's report, the forthcoming film stars Tessa Thompson ("Selma", "Dear White People") as Bianca, a local singer-comoposer who becomes involved with Adonis; Phylicia Rashad ( "Steel Magnolias", "Frankie & Alice") as Mary Anne Creed, Apollo's widow; and English pro boxer and former three-time ABA Heavyweight Champion Anthony Bellew as boxing champ "Pretty" Ricky Conlan, alongside Stallone and Jordan.

It was noted by USA Today that the first film of the Oscar-winning "Rocky Balboa" franchise made its debut back in 1976. On the 2006 titular film, Stallone revealed that he was finally going to put the Philadelphia puncher aside. "I said, 'This is it. Say goodbye to the best friend you ever had.' It was bittersweet," he said.

Ryan Coogler directed the film based on a screenplay he wrote with Aaron Covington. Robert Chartoff, Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Kevin King Templeton and Sylvester Stallone are producing the film, with Nicholas Stern as its executive producer.

Will "Creed" correctly honour the legacy of the Rocky series? Find out when the film opens in cinemas in November 25.