Creed 3 looks to build on the success of its two predecessors, as the spin-off/sequel films to the Rocky franchise have been worthy continuations with Michael B. Jordan in the lead role. Now set to release later in 2022, Creed 3's production is finally underway in Atlanta, as new photos reveal Jordan stepping on set.

Ryan Coogler's Creed revamped the iconic Rocky franchise back in 2015, as the MGM film focused on Apollo Creed's son, Adonis (played by Jordan), trying to make a name for himself while also living up the legacy of his late father. The film was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, as many believed it to be just as good as the 1976 original film. Creed 2, which was directed by newcomer Steven Caple Jr., continued to explore many of the deeper themes involving legacy and past trauma, as the film was also met with critical and commercial success.

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Now it's Jordan's turn to sit in the director's chair, as the star is making his directorial debut with the upcoming boxing drama. Although many details about the film's plot have been kept under wraps, The Daily Mail has shared several photos of Jordan appearing on the Atlanta set of Creed 3, as the film is just beginning its production. Jordan, who recently spoke with Variety, expressed his excitement for beginning his directing journey and how veterans in the industry like Denzel Washington, who Jordan worked with on they recently released A Journal for Jordan, helped prepare him for helming his first feature.

What is known about Creed 3 is that Jonathan Majors will play Adonis' main antagonist. The Ant-Man 3 and The Harder They Fall actor commented on Jordan's approach to Creed 3, adding that he is striving to tell a more personal story. "Michael is really trying to do something different with this Creed. Something that’s a bit more intimate," Majors said. "With intimacy comes complexity. It’s he and I. It’s a story about these two men trying to work something out, and it’s very different from the others."

Jordan has big expectations to live up to with the third installment. There seems to be a lot of hopefulness yet plenty of doubt regarding if he can keep this next film in the franchise at a grounded level while also carrying the story on his own after it was confirmed star Sylvester Stallone will not be returning to play Rocky. But by taking advice from Washington while shooting and also adding an incredible talent like Majors to the cast, Jordan could possibly offer a fresh take on this story and produce something that fans still haven't seen, even if this will be the 9th film in the Rocky/Creed universe.

Creed 3 is scheduled to be released on November 23, 2022.

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Source: Daily Mail, Variety