While Creed is a story with a new focus, it also tells the next chapter in the life of Rocky Balboa. In its own way, however, it’s also the next chapter for another character in the franchise, Apollo Creed. Carl Weathers is nowhere to be seen in the film of course, other than in pictures, as the character died several sequels ago. But what does the actor who built the name Creed think of the movie that bears it? Weathers has nothing but praise for the film, and everybody involved in it.
Carl Weathers played Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies. Since the film uses the name Creed, Weathers says that he feels close to the movie without actually being part of it all. It’s clear he views the character as something of a legacy and it was important to him that it be done well. From his comments, it sounds like he wasn’t sure the movie would work, but he’s very glad that it did.
I wanted to see what they did with it, and I was pleasantly surprised
"Pleasantly surprised" honestly sounds like Weathers wasn’t expecting much from Creed, but whatever his thoughts were before the movie he doesn’t hold back the kind words now. On the one hand, it's understandable that Weathers could have been nervous. Sequels can be dangerous things to wade into. However, Weathers has nothing but pride and praise for all of the Rocky movies he was part of, so you'd think he would have had a little more faith in Sylvester Stallone. Regardless, his words about the writer and actor now are absolutely unqualified.
I think it’s the best work Sly has done to my memory.
Considering that the first Rocky was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 1976, that’s some pretty high praise. The new film is not without its own Oscar buzz, so time will tell if the people in charge of such awards hold the same opinion.
Of course, the real question is, what does Weathers think of the actor who plays his on-screen son? He tells The Hollywood Reporter that he does have some advice for Michael B. Jordan.
He seems to be making really good choices at this point, so if anything, I would say 'keep doing what you're doing, young man. You're doing a great job'.
We’re going to assume this means that Carl Weathers has never seen Fantastic Four. But, all jokes aside, Jordan is receiving strong praise for his work in Creed from most critics and it’s clear that Michael B. Jordan certainly has a long and successful career ahead of him.
