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“CREED II” RETURNS TO THE RING AS PRODUCTION BEGINS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR METRO GOLDWYN MAYER PICTURES AND WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone and Tessa Thompson reprise their roles
Ryan Coogler comes on board as executive producer
Los Angeles (April 2, 2018) – Production begins today in Philadelphia on Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Creed II, starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, reprising their roles of Adonis Creed and Rocky Balboa respectively. Creed II is the continuation of the Rockysaga and sequel to the 2015 critically acclaimed and crowd-pleasing 2015 hit Creed, which took in more than $170 million at the worldwide box office. Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), who directed the first film, returns to the franchise as an executive producer onCreed II. The new film is being directed by Steven Caple Jr., who helmed the acclaimed 2016 drama The Land.
“When I wrote and directed Creed, I wanted to tell a human story about a family from a new perspective, while also paying homage to the Rocky characters we’ve all grown up knowing and loving. I’ve known Steven was an amazing filmmaker since our days at USC film school together, so I can’t wait to see what he, Sly, Mike and Tessa bring to this next chapter,” said Coogler.
Caple Jr. said, “It’s an honor to be a part of the franchise and work with such a thoughtful team. I got involved because I’ve always been a Rocky fan and I enjoy stories with heart and substance. But when Ryan put his touch on Creed I felt another level of connection to the franchise. It started to feel personal for many different reasons. This next Creed is a tale beyond the boxing ring and dives deeps into family, legacy, and fears. I’m excited to share my view and collaborate with the talented cast and crew.”
“Ryan and Steven are voices for their generation and their shared vision for Creed has brought the Rocky franchise to an entirely new audience. We know audiences will continue to embrace the legacy that Sly created so many years ago,” said producer Irwin Winkler.
Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.
Also reprising their roles from the first film are Tessa Thompson as Bianca, Phylicia Rashad as Mary Anne, Wood Harris as Tony ‘Little Duke’ Burton, and Andre Ward as Danny ‘Stuntman’ Wheeler. The new cast is rounded out with Florian “The Big Nasty” Munteanu as Viktor Drago, Dolph Lundgren returning to the role of Ivan Drago, and Russell Hornsby as Buddy Marcelle.Creed II will be distributed theatrically in the U.S. by MGM on November 21, 2018, and Warner Bros. Pictures will distribute the film internationally.
Caple Jr. directs from an original screenplay written by Stallone based on characters from the Rockyfranchise. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Kevin King-Templeton and Stallone. Coogler, Jordan and Guy Riedel will executive produce.
Collaborating with Caple Jr. is a creative team led by director of photography Kramer Morgenthau (Thor: The Dark World, Game of Thrones); production designer Franco Carbone (The Expendables, Billionaire Boys Club); costume designers Lizz Wolf (A Single Man, Dreamgirls); art director Jesse Rosenthal (Black Panther, Trumbo); fight coordinator Daniel Hernandez (Avengers: Infinity War, The Fate of the Furious); technical boxing advisor Robert Sale (Grudge Match, Ali); special effects coordinator Patrick White (Baby Driver, Deepwater Horizon) and VFX producer Crystal Dowd (Straight Outta Compton, Pitch Perfect 2). Filming will take place primarily in Philadelphia with additional locations in New Mexico.
Creed, directed by Coogler, was released by Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema in November 2015 and went on to garner many honors for Stallone, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.
Ilajide has always been a master of rhythm, not just in the way he raps but in how he produces music that feels alive, pulsing with energy and intent. His latest single, “BACKHAND”, is another prime example of his ability to craft a sound that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in hip-hop’s essence. As the second offering from his upcoming album, Pocket Jams 2, set for release on April 20th, the track fuses elements of funk, house, and R&B, creating a groove-heavy anthem that feels as fresh as it does commanding.
From the jump, “BACKHAND” establishes itself with a beat that’s impossible to ignore. Ilajide’s production swings between silky smooth and razor-sharp, layering hypnotic basslines with crisp percussion that keeps the track moving at a steady but infectious pace. There’s a bounce to it, a natural momentum that feels effortlessly cool. This is the kind of track that demands movement, whether it’s a head nod, a two-step, or a full-out dancefloor takeover. The house and funk influences seep through in the track’s warmth, giving it a groove reminiscent of classic hip-hop party records while still carrying a modern, electronic edge.
Lyrically, Ilajide leans into his signature blend of sharp wit, casual storytelling, and effortless bravado. The hook – “Put the money in my left hand / ‘Fore you get hit with the backhand” – feels like a statement of both confidence and necessity. There’s humor in it, sure, but there’s also an undeniable truth: Ilajide is done waiting for his dues. He raps with a calm but commanding energy, making it clear that whether it’s respect, payment, or appreciation, he expects it upfront. The verses flow with a conversational ease, packed with lines that balance everyday realism with clever wordplay. When he raps, “Listen my insurance expired / Bald wheel really need a few new tires / Whip like Kit after six, Knight Rider,” it’s a perfect snapshot of his ability to turn the mundane into something memorable.
At its core, “BACKHAND” is about knowing your worth and setting boundaries. It’s a hustler’s anthem, not in the flashy, exaggerated way some rap records approach the theme, but in a way that feels grounded and genuine. Ilajide isn’t just flexing for the sake of it – he’s laying down the reality of what it means to be an artist, an entrepreneur, and a person navigating the world while making sure they don’t get taken advantage of. It’s a song about making sure people come correct, about demanding what you deserve, and doing it all while maintaining a level of effortless cool.
With Pocket Jams 2 on the horizon, “BACKHAND” serves as a perfect preview of what’s to come. Ilajide continues to push his sound forward, blurring genre lines while staying true to his Detroit roots. He’s not just making music – he’s building a sonic universe that reflects his creativity, his hustle, and his refusal to be boxed in. If this single is any indication, his upcoming project is going to be one worth keeping on repeat.
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