When the Italian Stallion steps onto the set of Creed 2, he won't be sitting in the director's chair.
Sylvester Stallone had been rumoured to take over creative control for the follow-up to his Rocky spin-off, since original director Ryan Coogler is busy with Marvel's Black Panther.
However, Sly and star Michael B. Jordan have gone with another option. Joining the duo and co-star Tessa Thompson on Creed 2 will be director Steven Caple Jr, who made the 2016 Sundance hit The Land.
(Steven Caple Jr)
"The character of [Michael B. Jordan's] Adonis Creed reflects this generation and its challenges," Stallone said (via Variety). "I believe it's important for the director to also be a part of this generation like I was in mine, to make the story as relatable as possible.
"We are extremely lucky to have the talented young filmmaker Steven Caple Jr step up and accept the role of director. I am confident that he and Michael B. Jordan will hit it out of the park!"
"It's an honour to be a part of such an iconic franchise and to work with such great collaborators," Caple said. "Mike, Sly, and Tessa are extraordinarily talented and bring something special to today's culture. I look forward to joining the family and continuing the precedent set by this franchise's alumni of incredible filmmakers."
Michael B. Jordan also backed the decision for Ryan Coogler to pass the torch to Steven Caple Jr, although Coogler is expected to be involved in Creed 2 as an executive producer.
"Excited for Coogler to hand over the reins to Steven Caple, Jr. - our director for Creed 2," he tweeted. "Can't wait to bring you guys the next chapter of our story ... coming at you November 2018."
The sequel is also expected to bring back Dolph Lundgren as Rocky's most dangerous foe, the supreme Russian fighting machine known as Ivan Drago.
Creed 2 is expected to reach US cinemas on November 21, 2018.
