Reactions to Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut and the third installment in the Creed franchise, Creed III, have been overwhelmingly positive. The film is currently Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at 88 percent with 119 reviews.
Although the Creed franchise is in itself a spin-off of the Rocky franchise, which Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan reinvented for modern audiences. Creed III will be the first Rocky or Creed movie in which Rocky star Sylvester Stallone is absent. A development that many fans found disturbing, the film still remained one of the most anticipated films of 2023.
Further, several critics shared positive reactions to the film following its first press screenings and official release on March 3.
Notable film critic Kristian Harloff shared praises for the movie stating that: “Creed 3 is an intense emotional journey. Great directorial debut by Michael B Jordan, coupled by amazing performances by both Thompson and the scene stealer Jonathan Majors. Fight scenes are awesome. Few times I was wondering where Rocky was but it never took away from the story.”
Award Ace, Erick Weber said – “Creed 3 is EVERYTHING you could want from the finale to the Creed trilogy… The audience was cheering throughout; this is gonna be BIG.”
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff said – “Creed 3 is solid enough. I especially dug exploring this particular stage of Adonis’ career/life.”
On her part, Next Best Picture’s Matt Neglia added “Michael B. Jordan, in his directorial debut, does an admirable job directing CREED 3. His performance ranks among his best & the IMAX-shot boxing scenes are distinctively awesome. Jonathan Majors brings raw power & charisma to a personal story of two friends turned enemies.”
Similarly, TotalFilm’s Matt Maytum praised Majors acting prowess stating that “Creed III is great! Benefits from Jonathan Majors’ antagonist – easily the most interesting opponent Adonis has faced. Michael B. Jordan is an assured hand behind the camera and still charismatic as hell in front of it. Tessa Thompson remains valuable to the series #CreedIII.”
Trey Mangum, Shadow and Act said “Creed III is a great directorial debut from Michael B. Jordan. This will probably go down as one of Michael B. Jordan’s top performances.
Creed 3 debuts in theaters globally on Friday, March 3.