Rocky Balboa is one of the most iconic characters in film history, and it was a surprise to fans when it was announced that he would not appear in Creed 3. Sylvester Stallone, who created the character and played him in the original six films, explained his decision to leave the franchise in an interview with Variety. Stallone's absence from the film had a significant impact on the story, and fans were left wondering how the movie would be affected. In this article, we will explore Stallone's explanation for leaving the Creed franchise and discuss how it impacted the movie.

Stallone's Explanation for Leaving the Creed Franchise

In November 2020, it was announced that Stallone would not appear in Creed 3. The actor, who had played Rocky Balboa for over four decades, gave an explanation for his decision in an interview with Variety. Stallone revealed that he had creative differences with the film's producers and the desire to tell a different story.

Stallone said, "I just don't know what direction they want to take it. You know, how could you not involve Rocky? So I said, 'I think I'll step aside and let you guys go forward. And whoever you hire as a director, they'll probably have some fresh ideas.'"

Stallone also expressed his desire to tell a different story. He said, "There's a diminishing time clock there. You know, you're in a situation where you have to create something new, and there's only so many Rocky stories you can tell."

The Impact of Stallone's Absence on Creed 3

The absence of Stallone's character had a significant impact on Creed 3. Without Rocky, the movie's plot had to be changed, and the other characters had to be developed differently.

The Change in the Movie's Plot

In the first two Creed movies, Rocky played a significant role in Adonis's life, providing mentorship and guidance. In Creed 3, Adonis had to face his biggest challenge without Rocky's support. The movie's plot had to be changed to reflect this, and Adonis had to find a new source of inspiration.

The Impact on the Other Characters

Rocky's absence also impacted the other characters in the movie. Without Rocky, the relationship between Adonis and his wife, Bianca, had to be developed differently. Rocky's character had also been a father figure to Bianca, and his absence affected her character development as well.

The Loss of Rocky's Mentorship for Adonis

The loss of Rocky's mentorship was perhaps the most significant impact on the movie. In the first two Creed movies, Rocky had played a significant role in Adonis's growth as a boxer and as a person. Without Rocky, Adonis had to find a new mentor, and the movie had to develop a new character to fill that role.

The Reaction of Fans to Stallone's Absence

Fans were disappointed to learn that Stallone would not appear in Creed 3. Many fans had grown up with the character of Rocky and had a deep emotional connection to him. Stallone's absence left them wondering how the movie would be affected, and some were skeptical about whether the franchise could continue without him.

However, some fans were also intrigued by the possibility of a new direction for the franchise. Stallone's decision to step aside and allow the filmmakers to explore new ideas was seen by some as a positive development, and they looked forward to seeing what the future held for the Creed franchise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stallone's explanation for leaving the Creed franchise and his absence from Creed 3 had a significant impact on the movie. The change in the movie's plot and the loss of Rocky's mentorship had to be developed differently, and the other characters had to be developed in a new direction. Fans were disappointed to learn that Stallone would not appear in the film, but some were also intrigued by the possibility of a new direction for the franchise.