In addition to stepping into the ring, Michael B. Jordan is stepping into the director's chair for the first time with Creed 3. In a new featurette, the first-time director talks about his filmmaking approach and shooting the stunning IMAX fight scenes.
Following in the footsteps of two talents like Ryan Coogler and Steven Caple Jr. -- directors of MGM's Creed and Creed 2, respectively -- it's Jordan's turn to bring his vision to the ring and continue on the story of Adonis Creed. While there are a lot of challenges in the transition over to directing, especially when one is still starring in the film, Jordan was able to gain helpful tips from other successful actors-turned-filmmakers such as Denzel Washington and Bradley Cooper.
In a new featurette for Creed 3, Jordan provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look, detailing his vision and approach to the story while also sharing what it was like shooting on IMAX cameras, the first in the Rocky series and sports film to do so. “The core pillar of this franchise is figuring out who you really are and what’s worth fighting for,” Jordan said. “In Creed III, I wanted to know what Adonis' limits are. So, to be able to finally step behind the camera and continue to elevate and evolve this story, it’s something I’m eternally grateful for.”
In addition to pushing the characters to new extremes emotionally and physically, Jordan also wanted to push the boxing scenes to new limits by using IMAX cameras. “With the IMAX experience, you can take in the environment in a way you normally wouldn’t," Jordan said. "You’re able to see every bead of sweat, every impact, the ripples in the skin, the sounds of the footsteps. The punches. The music. The lack of Sound. You get to immerse yourself into the entire world.”
And for those who still don't believe Jordan, Jacob "Stitch" Duran, who starred in the previous two Creed films while also serving as a cutman -- a person responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter during the breaks between rounds -- teased the brilliant fight scenes in Creed 3. According to Duran, the fight scenes in Creed 3 will be the best of the entire Rocky franchise.
Set seven years after Creed 2, Adonis continues to dominate the boxing world and thrive in his family life. However, when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy (played by Jonathan Majors) returns, he must put that aside to battle his former friend in a fight that is more than just about boxing. Other than its two leads, the film also stars Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, and Florian Munteanu. Ryan Coogler, Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin wrote the story, with Keenan Coogler and Baylin penning the screenplay.
Creed 3 will arrive in theatres on March 3, 2023.
Source: IMAX/YouTube