First trailer for ‘Rocky’ spin-off ‘Creed’ released

PHILLY — Rocky Balboa is a classic piece of Americana. In 1976 he was the ultimate underdog story; in 1979 he became America’s champion; in 1982 he kind of became a joke; in 1985 he became the hero of every 9-year-old and music montage lovers everywhere; in 1990 we just kind of hated him; and in 2006 we kind of jumped back on his bandwagon.

It’s now 2015, and Rocky is headed back to the big screen, but he’s just a side character. The first official trailer for the Rocky spin-off film “Creed” is now available and it appears to take us back to our underdog roots.

“Creed” tells the story of Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed. According to the trailer, Adonis never knew his father, Apollo; yes, those names make me cringe a little too, and Adonis is now stepping into the ring with a little help from the former champ and his deceased father’s best friend, Rocky Balboa.

“Creed” actually looks like it will follow in the footsteps of the Oscar-winning original, “Rocky,” with a well-told dramatic story as the backbone and some great fighting to make it exciting.

Michael B. Jordan of “Friday Night Lights” fame plays Adonis, and the young actor has proven himself to be a fine actor. In 2013 he starred in the Sundance favorite “Fruitvale Station,” which showed off his acting chops. “Fruitvale Station” helmer Ryan Coogler actually directed “Creed,” which bodes well for the spin-off. Coogler’s already proven he knows how to treat drama and work with Jordan.

“Creed” is set to release Nov. 25.

John Clyde has been writing about movies, news, sports and pretty much anything awesome for more than five years. John is the co-host of the Flix Junkies podcast and will always entertain you with his stories.