Why Sylvester Stallone Wrote the Script for Creed Instead of Rocky

Comedy, drama, and the Rocky series—these elements are what made Sylvester Stallone's iconic Rocky films such a monumental part of American cinema. Despite starting the series, Stallone had not been directly involved in the writing of the Rocky movies since Rocky V. So, why did he write the script for Creed? This article explores the nuances of Stallone's relationship with the Rocky franchise, the context leading up to the Creed script, and Ryan Coogler's role in bringing Creed to life.

Stallone's Past with the Rocky Franchise

The Rocky series was a cornerstone of Stallone's acting career, starting in 1976 with the release of the first film. The series ended with Rocky V in 1990, which was a commercial success but not as well-received as the earlier installments. Stallone later took on the role of Rocky Balboa in Rocky Balboa (2006) and The Creedettings making regarding his involvement in the series.

The Spec Pitch of Creed

Up until Creed, Stallone had not officially written a screenplay for the Rocky series since the 1990s. Instead, he was primarily an actor and a producer, collaborating with different screenwriters to bring the Rocky legacy to new audiences. The idea for Creed appeared as a speculative script with the storyline focusing on the son of Apollo Creed, a character Stallone had played in Rocky IV (1985).

Creed was essentially a spec pitch—a screenplay without a production deal—that captured Stallone's attention after he saw Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed film Fruitvale Station (2013), a true story about the final day in the life of . Coogler's talent and storytelling prowess were evident in this film, and he was already a name to be reckoned with in the film industry. This background refines the understanding of why Stallone was willing to take on the Creed project.

Ryan Coogler's Pitch and Vision

Upon hearing about the idea for Creed, Stallone was initially reluctant to be involved. However, Coogler's pitch resonated with Stallone because of his unique vision for the character of Creed. Coogler's script presented Creed as a complex and dynamic figure, one who was grappling with his father's legacy while also establishing himself as a formidable boxer and a memorable character in his own right. Coogler's vision for Creed was different from the typical Rocky narrative and aimed to explore themes of redemption, identity, and social issues through the lens of the boxing world.

The Write-Up: Stallone's Inspiration and Process

Stallone took the reins as the sole writer for Creed, a decision driven by his connection to the character and the renewed sense of purpose he found in revisiting the Rocky series. Stallone's writing process for Creed involved a blend of his original vision for the franchise and Coogler's innovative ideas. This collaboration not only breathed new life into the Rocky saga but also allowed Stallone to contribute more directly to the story's narrative and character development.

The Significance of Creed in the Rocky Franchise

When Stallone wrote the script for Creed, it was a marked shift in the Rocky series, marking a new chapter that deviated from the traditional Rocky narrative while still honoring the spirit of the franchise. The film was not only a commercial success but also critically acclaimed, winning two Academy Awards. This success built on the established legacy of the Rocky series and introduced a new generation to the Creed character.

Conclusion: A New Legacy

After writing the script for Creed, Stallone's role in the Rocky franchise took on a different dimension. The film became a critical turning point in the series, establishing Creed as a compelling and multifaceted character worthy of continuing the Rocky legacy. Coogler's vision and Stallone's script brought fresh energy to the franchise, paving the way for the successful Creed II (2018) and Creed III (2023).

The story of Stallone writing Creed serves as a reminder of the power of innovative storytelling and the importance of staying true to a beloved franchise.