Creed 3 (2023) – Plot, Cast, and More You Need to Know

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What Is Creed 3 (2023) About?

“Creed 3” is a drama and sports film that continues the story of Adonis Creed, a former boxing champion. The film revolves around Adonis, who is now thriving in his career and family life. His life takes a turn when Damian, a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, re-enters his life after serving a long sentence in prison. Damian is determined to prove himself in the boxing world again.

The movie traces back to 2002 in Los Angeles, where a young Adonis and Damian were friends. After a series of events, Damian gets arrested while Adonis escapes. Fast forward to the present, Adonis has retired from boxing, focusing on his family and running a boxing academy. Damian, after being released from prison, reconnects with Adonis and expresses his wish to resume his boxing career. Adonis reluctantly allows Damian to train at his gym and eventually steps in as a replacement for an injured boxer, winning a championship through underhanded tactics.

The plot thickens as Adonis discovers that Damian orchestrated an attack to secure his championship shot. This revelation strains their relationship, and following a personal tragedy, Adonis decides to come out of retirement to challenge Damian for the title. The climax features an intense match between Adonis and Damian at Dodger Stadium, where Adonis emerges victorious and reconciles with Damian, acknowledging that the past events were not entirely either’s fault.

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Reasons to Watch It

“Experience Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut in ‘Creed 3’, praised internationally for its immersive IMAX visuals and gripping storyline of childhood friends turned rivals. With anime-inspired action and a continuation of Rocky’s legacy through Adonis Creed, this film promises both intense drama and a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise.”

1. Michael B. Jordan’s Directorial Debut:
   • Known for his outstanding acting in films like “Black Panther” and the Creed series, Jordan makes his directorial debut with “Creed III”, receiving positive international reviews.
2. First Sports Drama Shot on IMAX Camera:
   • The movie offers an immersive visual experience, especially in IMAX format, making the boxing scenes highly detailed and engaging.
3. Bros Become Foes:
   • The plot centers around the intense rivalry and drama between childhood friends Adonis and Damian, creating a dynamic story of betrayal and competition.
4. Off-Camera Bromance:
   • Despite their on-screen rivalry, Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors developed a strong friendship during the making of the film.
5. Anime-Inspired Action:
   • Jordan’s love for anime influences the film’s action scenes, adding a unique flair to the boxing sequences.
6. Rocky’s Legacy Continues:
   • While Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character Rocky Balboa doesn’t appear in “Creed 3”, the film continues the legacy of the Rocky series through Adonis Creed’s character.

“Creed 3” offers a compelling blend of intense drama and visually stunning action as Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut, crafting a gripping narrative centered around the rivalry between childhood friends Adonis and Damian. With immersive IMAX visuals, off-screen camaraderie between the cast, and anime-inspired action sequences, the film promises to captivate audiences while continuing the legacy of the Rocky series through Adonis Creed’s character.

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Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?

“Creed 3” is a fictional story, part of the “Rocky” film franchise. While it draws inspiration from real-life themes and experiences, the characters, events, and narrative depicted in the movie are fictional creations crafted for entertainment purposes.

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Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?

Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut in ‘Creed III’ has earned praise for its dynamic storytelling and departure from the shadow of Rocky Balboa, establishing its own identity within the Creed franchise. With a thrilling blend of sports drama and thriller elements, coupled with overwhelmingly positive reviews and audience approval, the film’s success is underscored by its high score on Rotten Tomatoes.

1. Directorial Success:
   • Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut has been praised for its dynamic storytelling and imaginative approach. Critics appreciate how the film steps out from under Rocky Balboa’s shadow, reasserting the Creed franchise’s status with Jordan’s direction and Jonathan Majors’ performance.
2. Thrilling and Dynamic:
   • The film is described as a sports drama with the feel of a thriller, offering a far more dynamic experience than its predecessor, “Creed II”. While it may not match the first “Creed” in terms of soulful filmmaking, it stands out for its dramatic foundation.
3. Positive Reviews:
   • “Creed III” has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, being noted for how well it compares against the rest of the Rocky franchise. Its blend of action and emotion has been particularly well-received.
4. Audience Approval:
   • Alongside critical acclaim, audience reactions have been positive. The film is noted for having enough action and emotion to satisfy fans of the Rocky series, even in the absence of Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character, Rocky Balboa.
5. High Score on Rotten Tomatoes:
   • The film holds a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a strong consensus among both critics and audiences regarding its quality.

In summary, “Creed 3” is critically acclaimed, with both reviewers and audiences praising its direction, storytelling, performances, and its successful continuation of the Rocky and Creed legacies.

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What Does the Movie Explore?

“Creed III” delves into the intricate themes of legacy, personal identity, redemption, and revenge as Adonis Creed grapples with his father’s legacy and confronts his past alongside his childhood friend Damian. Through themes of friendship, betrayal, family dynamics, and societal issues, the film explores the complexities of personal growth and navigating the challenges of fame, ambition, and familial responsibilities.

1. Legacy and Personal Identity:
   • The film continues to delve into the legacy of Adonis Creed, both as the son of Apollo Creed and as his own person. It examines how he navigates his identity in the shadow of his father’s and Rocky Balboa’s legacies.
2. Redemption and Revenge:
   • A central theme involves the interplay between redemption and revenge, particularly through the character of Damian Anderson, Adonis’ childhood friend. The film explores how past actions and decisions impact the present, and the complex path towards redemption.
3. Friendship and Betrayal:
   • The relationship between Adonis and Damian, marked by a shared past, friendship, betrayal, and rivalry, is a focal point. The film examines the nuances of friendships that evolve over time, especially when tested by fame, ambition, and past grievances.
4. Family Dynamics:
   • The movie delves into Adonis’ role as a family man, focusing on his relationship with his wife Bianca and daughter Amara. It looks at the balance between personal ambition and family responsibilities.
5. Coping with the Past:
   • Adonis’ journey in the film includes confronting and dealing with unresolved issues from his past. This theme is mirrored in Damian’s story, as both characters face the consequences of their past actions.
6. Societal Issues:
   • There are subtle explorations of societal issues, such as the effects of institutionalization, as seen in Damian’s life after prison, and the importance of community and support systems.
7. Professional and Personal Growth:
   • The film portrays the characters’ growth, not just in their professional lives but also personally. It shows their struggles to evolve and adapt to new roles and challenges in life.

These themes are woven together to create a narrative that goes beyond just a sports drama, offering depth and a broader commentary on life, relationships, and personal growth.

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Memorable Moments in the Movie

“Creed III” depicts Adonis Creed’s transition from boxing to family life and his role in running a boxing academy, juxtaposed with the return of his childhood friend, Damian Anderson, whose reappearance ignites past tensions and sets the stage for a climactic showdown. The film explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation as Adonis confronts his past, faces personal loss, and ultimately finds solace and closure through his relationships and the blending of his professional and personal worlds.

1. Adonis’ Retirement from Boxing:
   • The film shows Adonis Creed having retired from boxing, focusing on his family and running a boxing academy. This marks a significant shift from his previously dominant life in the ring.
2. Damian Anderson’s Return:
   • The reappearance of Adonis’ childhood friend, Damian Anderson, after serving 18 years in prison is a pivotal moment. It sets the stage for the film’s central conflict and rekindles past tensions.
3. Damian’s Victory aManipulation:
   • Damian’s victory in his first professional bout, where he uses underhanded tactics, is a key moment. His manipulation to get this title shot, including orchestrating an attack on another fighter, adds layers of complexity to his character.
4. Revelation of the Past:
   • The reveal of the events that led to Damian’s imprisonment — a violent incident involving Adonis and Damian during their youth — adds depth to their relationship and the choices they’ve made.
5. Mary-Anne Creed’s Death:
   • The death of Mary-Anne, Adonis’ adoptive mother, is a poignant event that affects the characters deeply, influencing their decisions and emotional journeys.
6. Adonis vs. Damian Fight:
   • The climactic boxing match between Adonis and Damian, termed the “Battle of Los Angeles,” stands out for its intensity and the emotional stakes involved. It’s not just a fight for the championship but a clash of past and present, of two diverging life paths.
7. Adonis’ Reconciliation with Damian:
   • Following their intense fight, the moment where Adonis and Damian reconcile, acknowledging their shared past and individual faults, is significant for its emotional resolution.
8. Adonis’ Family Moment:
   • The film concludes with a touching scene where Adonis pretends to box with his daughter Amara in the ring, symbolizing his journey and the blending of his professional and personal worlds.

These events contribute to the film’s dramatic and emotional narrative, making “Creed 3” a memorable addition to the Creed and Rocky series.

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Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From

“Creed III” may become available for streaming or digital rental/purchase on popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. Keep an eye on these platforms for potential availability of the film to watch at your convenience.

Streaming Service	Description
Amazon Prime Video	Offers a diverse selection of movies and TV shows; may provide options to rent or purchase new releases like “Creed III.”
Netflix	Subscription-based streaming service known for its extensive library of movies and TV series; occasionally features new releases.
Hulu	Streaming service providing a variety of movies and TV series; may offer new releases for streaming, with availability varying.
Disney+	Streaming platform primarily featuring Disney content, including the “Creed” series under the MGM banner; watch for potential streaming of “Creed III.”
HBO Max	Offers a wide range of movies and original content; potential availability of “Creed III” depends on distribution agreements.
Apple TV+	Apple’s streaming service featuring original movies and series; check for availability of “Creed III” for rental or purchase.
Google Play Movies & TV	Digital distribution platform for renting or buying movies; “Creed III” might be available for digital rental or purchase.
Vudu	Digital video store for renting or buying movies; may offer “Creed III” for digital rental or purchase.
YouTube Movies	Platform for renting or buying digital copies of movies; check for availability of “Creed III” for rental or purchase.

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