Apollo Creed Could Return In Another 'Rocky' Sequel With Carl Weathers Reprising The Iconic Role

After nearly four decades, seven sequels and a lot of accumulated fans, Rocky Balboa isn’t done fighting just yet. Hot of the success of the recently released “Creed,” the franchise’s principal star is hinting that not only will he return to the character, but he may do so with another member of the old regime.

In a recent interview, Sylvester Stallone revealed that not only will there be a sequel to “Creed” but that he’ll reprise his role as Rocky Balboa as well. Although he worked closely with director Ryan Coogler on the first “Creed,” co-starring Michael B. Jordan, it looks like the director may have his time occupied by Marvel’s upcoming “Black Panther” feature. However, that didn’t stop the creative duo from hammering out potential script ideas for further sequels, including one that would bring back the original Creed.

That’s right boxing fans, the greatest (or second greatest, depending on which movie you’re watching) fighter in the world, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), could reprise his role as the villain turned best friend to Rocky (Stallone).

Unfortunately, as those who have seen the movies will no doubt remember, Apollo died in a match against Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), meaning bringing the character back would be a bit of a chore.

“Ryan has some ideas of going forward and backward and actually seeing Rocky and Apollo together,” the 69-year-old actor told Variety. “Think of ‘The Godfather 2.’ That’s what he was thinking of, which was kind of ambitious.”

The actor went on to reveal that he recently bumped into Weathers on the street and noted that, despite the passage of time, he still looks great. He even went as far as to question how he ever even stepped in a ring with the now 67-year-old actor, even if it was pretend. However, as good as a modern-day Weathers may appear, it will be a tough sell to convince audiences that he looks 30 years younger. Still, with the character beloved by fans enough to launch another film franchise, Stallone is clearly still enamored with his friend and former co-star.

“I was so blessed the day I met Carl, who is not just a fantastic actor, but a world class athlete who did things that normal actors and human beings can’t do,” he told Deadline. “The fact that this is a movie called 'Creed,' and it’s 40 years after 'Rocky,' well, it shows the impact that Carl Weathers had with Apollo Creed. I hadn’t seen that in the ring before.”