Creed II has already hit cinemas across the pond, and is only a matter of days away here in the UK – and Rocky fans had better savour every moment watching Sylvester Stallone reprise his role as the hard-hitting boxer. Coming from the man himself, this looks set to be Sly’s final round in the Rocky ring. In a video posted on his Instagram page, Stallone gives a speech commemorating the character’s revival in the Creed movies – and passing the legacy on to actor Michael B. Jordan.
“Well, this is probably my last rodeo because, what I thought happened and has happened, I never expected,” Stallone says. “I thought Rocky was over in 2006, and I was very happy with that. And then all of a sudden this young man presented himself and the whole story changed. It went on to a new generation, new problems, new adventures, and I couldn’t be happier because as I step back ‘cause my story has been told, there’s a whole new world that’s gonna be opening up for the audience, for this generation.” Embracing Jordan, he adds: “Now you have to carry the mantle.”
In the video’s caption, Stallone provides more evidence that he’s hanging up the boxing gloves. “I just want to thank everyone around the whole wide world for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years,” he writes. “It’s been my ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character. Though it breaks my heart, Sadly all things must pass... and end. Keep punching, I love you kind and generous people, and Rocky loves you too.”
Worry not, fans of Stallone’s iconic characters – while Rocky is being retired, remember that Rambo is making a comeback soon in Rambo 5: Last Blood, even if it is with a cowboy hat rather than a green beret.
Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.