Creed III (2023)

Creed III is the ninth installment in the Rocky franchise and the third chapter of Adonis Creed’s story. Directed by Michael B. Jordan in his directorial debut, the film dives deeper into themes of friendship, betrayal, family, and legacy, while still delivering the adrenaline-pumping boxing matches fans expect.

Detailed Summary

Adonis at the Top

At the beginning of the film, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has already cemented his place in boxing history. He retires after successfully defending his titles, transitioning into a life as a promoter and mentor for the next generation of fighters. He is also focused on being a father to his daughter Amara and a husband to Bianca (Tessa Thompson), who is pursuing her career in music despite her progressive hearing loss.

Enter Damian Anderson

Adonis’s childhood friend Damian “Dame” Anderson (Jonathan Majors) re-enters his life after serving 18 years in prison. Dame, once a promising young fighter, feels robbed of his future and blames circumstances surrounding their shared past. Adonis, guilt-ridden, offers Dame an opportunity to train and eventually fight under his promotion.

Rising Tensions

Initially, it seems like a story of redemption, but Dame’s bitterness quickly surfaces. He uses manipulative tactics to position himself as the number one contender, eventually facing and brutally defeating Adonis’s protégé, Felix Chavez, in a shocking and ruthless match. This betrayal exposes Dame’s true intentions: he wants the career and life Adonis has built.

Confronting the Past

Adonis struggles with shame over his past with Dame. He had left Dame behind years ago when a violent altercation with an abusive man led to Dame’s arrest. Feeling guilty for moving on while Dame wasted away in prison, Adonis initially avoids confrontation. However, with encouragement from Bianca and his mother Mary Anne (Phylicia Rashad), he faces the truth. After Mary Anne’s emotional passing, Adonis finds the strength to stop running and prepares to fight Dame.

Movie Ending

The climax is the heavyweight fight between Adonis Creed and Damian Anderson at Dodger Stadium, a battle that is both physical and deeply personal. The fight sequence is highly stylized, blending raw action with symbolic imagery, such as the stadium fading into a prison-like isolation chamber to represent their shared trauma and history.

Adonis ultimately defeats Dame in a grueling match, reclaiming his legacy while showing that he is no longer haunted by the past. After the fight, Adonis and Dame share a quiet, emotional conversation in the locker room. They acknowledge their brotherhood and the mistakes of their youth, finding closure and forgiveness rather than ongoing rivalry.

The final moments of the film shift back to family. Adonis spends time with Bianca and Amara in the ring, showing that for him, true victory is not about titles or fame but about love and legacy. The movie closes on a note of peace and new beginnings for Adonis, while leaving Dame with the dignity of having fought for his place, even if he lost.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Creed III does not feature any mid-credits or post-credits scenes. The story concludes with Adonis reconciling his past and embracing his future, providing a complete narrative without teasing another installment.

Type of Movie

Creed III is a sports drama with strong elements of family drama and psychological conflict. While boxing remains central, the movie is less about the sport itself and more about relationships, healing, and personal redemption.

Cast

• Michael B. Jordan as Adonis “Donnie” Creed
• Tessa Thompson as Bianca Taylor
• Jonathan Majors as Damian “Dame” Anderson
• Wood Harris as Tony “Little Duke” Burton
• Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne Creed
• Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Joseph Shirley, blending orchestral drama with modern hip-hop influences. Executive producer J. Cole and his label Dreamville contributed original tracks to the soundtrack, enhancing the movie’s urban, emotional, and contemporary vibe.

Filming Locations

The movie was primarily filmed in Los Angeles and Atlanta, with Dodger Stadium serving as the grand venue for the climactic fight. These locations ground the story in a modern American setting, emphasizing Creed’s position as both a boxing icon and a family man rooted in community.

Awards and Nominations

As of now, Creed III has not received major awards recognition but was praised for its performances, particularly Jonathan Majors’ intense portrayal of Damian, and for Michael B. Jordan’s confident directorial debut.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Michael B. Jordan cited anime like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z as inspirations for the stylized fight choreography.
• Jonathan Majors bulked up significantly for the role, training alongside professional boxers.
• This is the first film in the Rocky/Creed franchise without Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa as a character, though Stallone remained a producer.
• Jordan described directing while acting as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” but also his most fulfilling creative challenge.

Inspirations and References

The film draws heavily from Japanese anime battle sequences, giving the fights a surreal, psychological layer. The broader themes echo the franchise’s traditional underdog story while focusing on personal history and unresolved trauma.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely reported alternate endings, but Jordan mentioned trimming down certain character development scenes for pacing, particularly extended moments of Dame’s prison backstory.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The Creed films are not based on novels but are continuations of the Rocky cinematic saga. However, the storytelling in Creed III feels closer to modern sports novels, where personal drama overshadows the technicalities of the sport.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Young Adonis and Damian’s flashback to their childhood bond and the night that changed everything.
• Dame’s brutal fight against Felix Chavez, showcasing his ruthless style.
• The surreal boxing sequence where the ring transforms into a metaphorical prison cell.
• The heartfelt locker room reconciliation between Adonis and Dame.

Iconic Quotes

• Dame: “You think you’re better than me? We was like brothers.”
• Adonis: “I’m not afraid of you. Not anymore.”
• Bianca: “You can’t run from your past. You have to face it.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The gym posters and photos include nods to previous Rocky films, connecting Adonis to the franchise legacy.
• Amara’s love for boxing mirrors Adonis’s childhood, hinting at a possible next generation story.
• The title fight being set at Dodger Stadium is symbolic—Adonis fights on home turf in Los Angeles, fully stepping out of Rocky’s Philadelphia shadow.

Trivia

• Michael B. Jordan is the first actor in the Rocky universe to direct a film in the franchise.
• Mila Davis-Kent, who plays Amara, is deaf in real life.
• The movie grossed over $275 million worldwide, making it the most successful entry in the Creed trilogy.

Why Watch?

Creed III offers more than boxing—it’s a powerful story about confronting one’s past, forgiving oneself, and redefining success. If you enjoy emotional drama mixed with hard-hitting action, this movie delivers on both fronts.

Director’s Other Movies

• Creed III is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. As an actor, however, he is well-known for:
  • Creed (2015)
  • Creed II (2018)
  • Fruitvale Station (2013)
  • Black Panther (2018)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Rocky (1976)
• Rocky Balboa (2006)
• Southpaw (2015)
• Warrior (2011)
• Ali (2001)