The conclusion of Creed III features Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, triumphantly returning from retirement to face his childhood friend, Damian “Diamond”Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors. This film, directed by Jordan himself, delves into the complexities of Adonis’s past while ushering in a new chapter in his life. The plot thickens as Dame reappears after serving a long prison sentence, with motives that go beyond mere friendship.
As the tensions build, Damian confronts Adonis with a challenge: a fight that will prove who is truly the best. The stakes are heightened by their shared history, and after 12 intense rounds in the ring, Adonis emerges victorious, reconciling with Dame. The film closes with Adonis sharing a moment in the ring with his daughter, Amara, and his partner, Bianca, as they walk away together, symbolizing a new beginning.
Why Dame Wanted to Fight Adonis in Creed III
Dame Felt He Lost His Career & Wanted to Prove His Worth
Upon his release from prison, Damien sought to reconnect with Adonis not out of nostalgia, but with ulterior motives. He aimed to exploit Adonis’s vulnerabilities and access his life, family, and gym facilities. This rivalry took a darker turn when Dame orchestrated an assault on Drago, Adonis’s fighter, ensuring he would not be ready for a boxing match against Felix, thereby allowing Damien to seize an opportunity to box after his prison release.
Damien’s goal was to reclaim his lost dreams, projecting his frustration onto Adonis, whom he felt had abandoned him during his time of need. This match was not just about competition; it was about settling old scores and reigniting his career while utilizing Adonis as a stepping stone in the boxing arena. By challenging Adonis, he sought to prove his worth and assert himself in a sport from which he had been disconnected for too long.
Viktor Drago Spinoff Setup in Creed III Explained
Viktor is in Los Angeles & Has Become a Good Guy
The rivalry between Viktor Drago and Adonis Creed that sparked in Creed II evolves in this installment. In Creed III, they appear as allies, with a much deeper mutual respect developed over time. Although the nuances of their relationship remain unexplored, the film hints at a prospective spinoff centered on Viktor Drago. Now friendlier and more grounded, Viktor’s character provides ample opportunities for further exploration.
Viktor shows signs of personal growth and sustained pursuit of boxing, making him a compelling candidate for a standalone film. Such a project could delve into the intricate Drago legacy and untangle family dynamics. With his character repositioned in Los Angeles, the potential for a showdown with Damian Anderson looms, leaving fans speculating about the possibilities ahead.
Why Rocky Doesn’t Attend Mary-Anne’s Funeral in Creed III
The Movie Never Reveals Rocky’s Reasons for Missing the Funeral
Despite having prominent roles in the previous two films, Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa is absent from Creed III, creating a notable void. Following the passing of Mary-Anne, Adonis’s mother, Rocky’s silence is particularly striking given their close history. Speculations about his absence paint a picture of missed connections — perhaps a reflection of Rocky’s new life in Canada and his inability to return to Los Angeles in time.
Stallone has publicly stated he chose not to reprise his role in Creed III due to a conflict with the film’s darker direction and ongoing disputes with producer Irwin Winkler. As a result, Rocky’s absence at the funeral raises questions that the film leaves unanswered — primarily the emotional ties and the implications of such a departure.
The Reason Mary-Anne Kept Damian’s Letters a Secret
She Was Worried Damian Was a Bad Influence for Adonis
Before her passing, Mary-Anne Creed’s secretive act of withholding Damian’s letters reveals her protective instincts as a mother. This decision ultimately strains her relationship with Adonis, as she believed that maintaining distance from Damien was crucial for her son’s growth. She aimed to free Adonis from the painful past that Dame represented, hoping he could forge a new path without that influence.
The narrative in Creed III encapsulates Adonis’s struggle with his history, while Mary-Anne’s actions solidify her dedication to her son’s well-being. Ultimately, Adonis’s anger is challenged by the understanding that his mother sought to shield him from experiences that could hinder his progress.
Why Adonis Beat Dame in Creed III’s Final Fight
Adonis Was at the Top of His Game & Dame Was Only Coming Back
Becoming a world champion left Adonis Creed with little left to prove in boxing. However, when Dame presented a challenge for a title defense on live television, Adonis accepted, not out of obligation but to affirm his stance as a fighter. Adonis is known for his resilience and refusal to avoid confrontation; this match was a testament to his growth, both personally and professionally.
Defeating Dame was not merely about the championship title; it was to reaffirm his dedication to the sport and prove to himself that he was not merely a contender but a champion. For Adonis, clinching the victory underscored years of hard work and cemented his status among the boxing elite. Losing to Dame, who was just returning to the sport, would have cast doubt on his achievements.
How Creed III Sets Up Creed IV
Michael B. Jordan Wants to Wait to Make Another Film
While Creed III lacks direct indications of Adonis’s future in the ring, the potential for Creed IV has been confirmed by Michael B. Jordan. This sequel might delve into Amara Creed’s boxing journey, as evidenced by her keen interest shown in the film. The possibility of a spinoff focusing on Viktor Drago and his evolving relationship with boxing further increases the franchise’s expansion.
Notably, Rocky Balboa’s absence from the series has become a significant theme, as Sylvester Stallone has opted out of participating, citing creative differences. Jordan has advocated for a thoughtful approach towards any upcoming continuation, emphasizing the need for the story to resonate with audiences rather than rushing into production:
“Yeah, the fourth one, eventually, not sure when, but we left that door open to build on that franchise. My thing is like, I don’t wanna make a movie just to make it; give it a little time to breathe, make people want it, miss it a little bit. And when the time is right, I’ll drop in and do another one.”
This statement highlights the uncertain timeline for Creed IV while leaving fans eager for what lies ahead in the franchise.
Creed III’s Ending Meaning Explained
Taking Accountability for One’s Actions
At its core, Creed III emphasizes confronting the past, embracing accountability, and evolving through one’s experiences. Throughout the film, Adonis grapples with guilt, fear, and anger as he learns to confront his past head-on. Instead of reverting to previous patterns of avoidance, he navigates through his turbulent emotions, marking a significant development in his character arc.
Adonis’s journey culminates in an acknowledgment of his previous failures to support his friend, Dame. By confronting this chapter from his life, he demonstrates growth — transforming his anger into understanding as he apologizes for past transgressions. This resolution signifies not only a personal triumph but also an opportunity to transcend previous behaviors, bringing his storyline to a powerful conclusion.
How The Creed III Ending Was Received
The Movie Was Universally Loved
Creatively, Creed III has become a standout success, enjoying broad acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Garnering a Certified Fresh rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s reception was further bolstered by a 95% audience score. Fans resonated with the emotional depth and complexity presented throughout the film. One viewer remarked, “It’s not just good vs evil; both characters are fighting for their place, battling within themselves.”
Screenwriter Matt Singer noted that Dame’s journey parallels that of Rocky Balboa from earlier films, as both characters navigate the treacherous path of self-discovery and validation:
“Majors’ character is much closer in construct to Rocky Balboa, another down-on-his-luck underdog who wants to prove himself worthy of the big time.”
This revelation sparked discussions online, with fans expressing empathy for Dame’s character arc, highlighting the complexities of his motivations. Many feel Dame, despite his missteps, embodies an underdog spirit worthy of exploration in potential future stories.