Creed (2015), directed by Ryan Coogler, is a powerful spin-off and continuation of the Rocky film saga. It introduces a new protagonist, Adonis “Donnie” Johnson (played by Michael B. Jordan), the illegitimate son of the late boxing legend Apollo Creed. Born after Apollo’s death and raised in group homes and juvenile detention centers, Donnie struggles with anger, identity, and a deep desire to prove himself—not as the son of a champion, but as a fighter in his own right.
Despite having a comfortable life after being adopted by Apollo’s widow, Mary Anne, Donnie cannot ignore his passion for boxing. He quits his stable corporate job in Los Angeles and moves to Philadelphia to seek out the man who once stood in the ring with his father—Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Rocky, now retired from boxing and running a small Italian restaurant, is initially reluctant to return to the sport. However, he sees the same determination in Donnie that he once had, and agrees to train him.
As Donnie begins his training under Rocky’s guidance, he also forms a relationship with Bianca (Tessa Thompson), an aspiring singer who is slowly losing her hearing. Their bond adds emotional depth to Donnie’s journey, grounding his pursuit of boxing greatness with personal stakes.
Donnie’s lineage is eventually revealed to the public, catching the attention of the boxing world. This leads to an opportunity for him to fight “Pretty” Ricky Conlan (Tony Bellew), the undefeated light heavyweight champion, in a high-profile match. Conlan, facing legal troubles and eager for one last payday, agrees to the fight under the condition that Donnie uses the Creed name to sell the bout.
The climactic match is a brutal, emotional, and symbolic showdown. Donnie, still raw but relentless, shocks the world by going the distance with Conlan. Though he loses by split decision, he earns the respect of his opponent and the public, stepping out of his father’s shadow and forging his own legacy.
Creed revitalizes the Rocky franchise with a modern sensibility and emotional weight. It’s a story about identity, legacy, and finding one’s purpose. Through the bond between Donnie and Rocky—who faces his own battle with cancer—the film explores mentorship, resilience, and the universal struggle to define who we are, regardless of where we come from.
