Published on April 6, 2026
Fans of the iconic Rocky saga felt a surge of adrenaline knowing that Rocky Balboa would face Ivan Drago once again, over 30 years after the brutal encounter that led to Apollo Creed’s demise. The testosterone-fueled montage that was “Rocky IV” has now received a sequel, continuing the legacy with a film that expertly balances family values and the responsibilities of confronting one’s fears.
In this installment, Adonis Creed is tempted to confront the son of the man who sent his father to the grave, just as he is savoring the sweet taste of victory after becoming the world champion and embracing his roles as a recent father and husband. Meanwhile, Rocky grapples with the weight of training his friend’s son, fearing a repeat of the tragic mistakes from the past, which left his beloved protégé orphaned.
“Creed II” places two pugilists with a shared past under immense emotional burden, forcing them inexorably toward conflict. Adonis Creed feels the need to uphold his father’s legacy tinged with vengeance, while Viktor Drago, traumatized ’s defeat and now his trainer, strives to achieve what his father could not—a quest that destroyed their family and led to his disgrace.
Destiny is a pervasive theme in “Creed II,” which delves into the fears faced and Creed Jr. as they strive to avoid repeating past mistakes and confront their fates with dignity and courage. Their journey emphasizes the importance of approaching challenges with sufficient strength and wisdom to overcome them, ultimately allowing them to live with the knowledge that they made the right choices, understanding that true power lies in inspiration and the joy of family.
Stallone bids farewell to Rocky, effectively portraying a mentor both in life and inside the ring for Creed, who manages to close the circle with triumph, but not without enduring setbacks that compel him to rise time and again. His family, including his mother, wife, and daughter, serves as the source of his strength as he faces the haunting legacy of the Drago name, which has caused him profound pain throughout his life.
The return of Dolph Lundgren is a delightful surprise, showcasing him in a role that allows him to deliver more than just a few lines. Michael B. Jordan perfectly complements the legacy of Balboa, while the unexpected appearance of Brigitte Nielsen—Stallone’s ex and Drago’s on-screen wife—adds another layer of nostalgia. After 40 years and two Oscar nominations, Stallone, a heartwarming grandfather figure, exits the franchise on a high note, as “Creed II” has pleased the majority of critics and grossed nearly 200 million dollars to date.
In my opinion, “Creed II” lacks some of the punch of its predecessor but successfully maintains the values that made the franchise great, showcasing perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of progress, this time enveloped in a familial drama with heavy doses of boxing energy.
Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Dolph Lundgren, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, Kristina Aponte, Andre Ward, Russell Hornsby, Gina Destra, Brigitte Nielsen.
Trailer:
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