In a revealing interview with GQ, Sylvester Stallone disclosed that he came close to stepping away from the Creed project due to initial reservations. Stallone expressed discomfort when Ryan Coogler first introduced the concept, pointing to an earlier script where Rocky Balboa was portrayed as dying from a terminal illness. The thought of his iconic character ending in such a tragic manner was troubling for the veteran actor.
The draft included a storyline where Rocky was afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. Stallone shared, “I dodged that bullet for two or three years. I didn’t want to do it because Rocky dies,” fearing that such a conclusion would leave the audience disheartened. His apprehension delayed his decision to pursue the project for several years until a revamp of the script made him reconsider.
Coogler and co-writer Aaron Covington responded to Stallone’s concerns by revising the narrative. They opted to replace the terminal illness with Rocky battling Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a switch that preserved Rocky’s life while still confronting a significant health issue. When Stallone received the updated script, he felt more optimistic and remarked, “I said okay, we’ll give it a shot,” noting that this version required more emotional depth rather than physical combat. He channeled his skills as a writer and director to shape Rocky’s emotional arc, taking on the role as a mentor to Adonis Creed.
Stallone’s performance in Creed garnered prestigious recognition, including a Golden Globe and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 88th Academy Awards. He credited his co-star Michael B. Jordan for their shared commitment to the story, which has continued to unfold in Creed II and Creed III. Looking ahead, Stallone plans to both star in and direct Creed IV, though the release date is yet to be revealed.
The evolution of the Sylvester Stallone Creed script illustrates how even legendary creators must sometimes adapt their visions to honor cherished characters, reminding fans of the enduring legacy of the Rocky franchise. For those intrigued by Stallone’s creative process, the full GQ interview offers valuable insights into his decision-making.