Making a directorial debut through a blockbuster franchise is a huge undertaking. Michael B. Jordan is taking on this challenge without hindrance for Creed 3. Making the third film in the Rocky spinoff series his feature debut could be a make-or-break moment for his directing career. But more thought went into Jordan’s decision to direct the sequel than previously believed. The actor revealed why Creed 3 was the right project for his directorial debut.
With Creed 3, Michael B. Jordan will balance his job as both star and director. People’s Sexiest Man Alive’s choice to direct the third installment was a more strategic than hasty decision. The Without Remorse star gave some insight into making his directorial debut through the sequel with the following:
I always wanted to wait to direct something I had a solid opinion on and point of view. This is the third time I’m playing this character, it’s the most times I’ve played anybody before. So, I know the world, I know the characters. I love collaboration; I like building teams. So, for me the team that I have around me, that I’m putting around me, everybody cares about the right things. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. So, I’m really excited about telling a story -- torture test, I can’t wait.
As Michael B. Jordan pointed out, this will be his third time playing Adonis Creed, so he understands the character and his world. His choice to direct Creed 3 mirrors the trajectory of Sylvester Stallone directing Rocky IV. It’s not hard to see the parallels in Jordan and Stallone’s careers despite Stallone not returning for the third Creed film. With any star who takes to the director’s chair, there’s always a singular question: how will they fare behind the camera?
As the Black Panther star put it, he wasn’t afraid to take on the franchise. In speaking on the Jemele Hill is Unbothered podcast, Michael B. Jordan revealed he studied his Journals for Jordan director Denzel Washington before directing Creed 3. Jordan said this about his acting experience influencing his directing style:
I think I’ll be a good actor’s director. I know the process and I kind of know what we need and a certain environment for them to take risks...it’s a weight that I’m gladly and really happy to carry. I can’t wait. I’m really excited about it.
While he wants to be an actor’s director, the Creed 3 star did admit that on-set hazing isn’t off the table. But Michael B. Jordan seemed to be leaning into a creative environment where everyone’s voice matters. Most actors in Jordan’s position would just cruise on their success and not take on such a huge project. As the actor mentioned, he is ready to take on the challenge. But Jordan’s Creed 3 is shaping up to be a major event with some surprises.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Lovecraft Country star Jonathan Majors is in talks to play Adonis Creed’s next adversary in Creed 3. If Majors signs on for the sequel, he will join a returning cast that includes Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad. Of course, Michael B. Jordan will be back as Donnie Creed in addition to his directing role.
The actor’s views of being a director should bode well for him when the film finally starts production. Moviegoers will have to wait until Nov. 23, 2022 to see how Michael B. Jordan will fair in dual positions when Creed 3 arrives in theaters.
