Sylvester Stallone has stepped down from directing ‘Creed II’.
The 71-year-old star took to Instagram to confirm he has handed over the helming reins to Steven Caple Jr. on the forthcoming film because he thinks the ‘Land’ filmmaker is more in touch with "this generation".
He wrote: "The character of Adonis Creed reflects this generation, and I believe it is important to have a director who is part of it , that is why I think we are Lucky to have Stephen Caple ,Jr A wonderful new talent take over The directorial chores and make the story as relatable as possible… He and Michael B Jordan will deliver a knockout!u (sic)"
Caple is said to have been hand-picked by Stallone and Michael B. Jordan – who will reprise his role as boxer Adonis "Donnie" Johnson Creed – to helm the motion picture.
He told Variety: "It’s an honour to be a part of such an iconic franchise and to work with such great collaborators.
"Mike, Sly, and Tessa are extraordinarily talented and bring something special to today’s culture. I look forward to joining the family and continuing the precedent set by this franchise’s alumni of incredible filmmakers."
Jordan admitted he was "excited" for Caple to take over from the first film’s director Ryan Coogler.
He tweeted: "Excited for Coogler to hand over the reins to Steven Caple, Jr. – our director for Creed 2! Can’t wait to bring you guys the next chapter of our story … coming at you November 2018. #Creed2 (sic)"
Coogler is expected to join the movie in an executive producer capacity but a deal has not yet been completed.
As well as announcing Caple’s role, Stallone also teased fans that WWE star Brock Lesnar could be playing Ivan Drago’s son in ‘Creed II’, but admitted a "new unknown" star will take on the role.
Stallone wrote on Instagram: "Big challenges come in all shapes and forms! By the way this is just for entertainment, Drago’s son will be played by a new unknown…#brocklesnar #rockybalboa1976 (sic)"
This comes after Stallone announced in October he would be directing and producing ‘Creed II’.
He wrote: "Looking forward to directing and Producing The incredibly talented Michael B Jordan in CREED 2 next year … One more Round ! #creed2 #mgm #fighting #workout #exercise #boxing (sic)"
‘Creed’ is a sequel to the ‘Expendables’ star’s ‘Rocky’ film franchise, in which he plays boxer Rocky Balboa.
Stallone reprised his role as the Italian Stallion in ‘Creed’, in which his iconic character was the trainer and mentor for boxer Adonis, the son of heavyweight champion Apollo Creed – Rocky’s most famous opponent – who was portrayed by Carl Weathers in the first four ‘Rocky’ movies.
Stallone co-produced the first ‘Creed’ movie and will reprise his role in the sequel.
Sylvester Stallone hands Creed II reins to Steven Caple Jr
