‘Creed III’ Is a Box Office Knockout

They say the third time is a charm. The Creed franchise has been charming viewers worldwide since its introduction in 2015. Fast forward to the present day with the trilogy, and Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler have done it again. This feat is even more special because Jordan extended his magic beyond the front of the camera to the director’s chair. Aside from his directorial debut, Creed III is also the first sports film shot with IMAX cameras giving viewers a breathtaking theater experience.

Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has had a thriving boxing career and family life. However, the unexpected return of childhood friend and boxing prodigy Damian (Jonathan Majors), fresh from a lengthy prison sentence, aims to threaten all he has built. Damian is hellbent on proving he is the true champion in the ring and in life. “The face-off between these friends turned foes is more than just a fight,” according to the synopsis.

Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and Jonathan Majors are the film’s stars. Their supporting cast includes Wood Harris, Phylicia Rashad, Mila Davis-Kent, Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II, Bobby Hernandez, and Yahya McClain. True to the Rocky legacy, Creed III showcases some of the best in the boxing game. Terrence Crawford, José Benavidez Jr., Florian Munteanu, and Tony Bellew co-star. Respected mitt trainers Patrice Harris and Ann Najjar and revered cut man Jacob “Stitch” Duran are also a part of the heavy-hitting cast. Other boxers who make appearances are Canelo Álvarez, Teófimó Lopez, and Jessica McCaskill.

It’s strap season for Creed III! According to MGM and Forbes, it raked in $58.6 million during its debut weekend. It continues to hail as a record-breaker on many fronts. The film’s opening weekend profits alone make it the highest opening weekend of the franchise and the entire sports film genre. Currently, the blockbuster champions a #3 ranking on the list of highest-grossing movies in 2023 domestically, and #2 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo and IMDB.

Jordan expressed what Creed’s journey has taught him at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday, March 1. “Creed challenged me in ways I never thought were possible,” he said.

He was candid in his experience as a first-time director as well. “It’s an uphill battle to push the boundaries of what can be done and really bring a story to life in a way that your heart and your mind envision it,” Jordan said. “It gave me an even deeper appreciation for this man that I call my brother, Ryan Coogler.”

Michael B. Jordan directed and produced Creed III. It was written by Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler. William Chartoff, Ryan Coogler, Jonathan Glickman, Elizabeth Raposo, Sylvester Stallone, Charles Winkler, David Winkler, and Irwin Winkler serve as film producers.

Creed III premiered in IMAX theaters on March 3.