Michael B. Jordan teases shocking ‘Creed’ update
Michael B. Jordan isn’t ready to leave the Creed franchise behind, but his vision for its future looks nothing like what fans might expect. The 38-year-old actor, who made his directorial debut with 2023’s Creed 3, recently opened up about plans for a fourth installment and how the beloved series will evolve beyond the boxing ring.
When asked about Creed 4, Jordan didn’t hesitate to confirm it’s happening. The franchise has been remarkably good to him, and he’s grateful to MGM and producer Irwin Winkler for the opportunity. There’s still plenty of story left to tell, though Jordan admits he’s not eager to spend the next decade getting punched in the face for our entertainment.
Expanding the ‘Creed’ universe
Instead of following the traditional sequel playbook, Jordan has something more ambitious in mind. He’s established compelling characters throughout the series who deserve their own spotlight, and he’s already thinking about new faces to introduce. The key is finding ways to keep the franchise fresh without relying on him to carry every film as the main attraction in the ring.
That’s where the so-called “Creed-verse” comes in. Amazon has picked up a television series focusing on Adonis’s daughter, Amara, which will explore different corners of this world without putting all the pressure on Jordan to deliver another knockout performance. These spinoff projects will keep the universe alive and thriving while giving Jordan room to step back from the physically demanding aspects of the role.
It’s a smart strategy that mirrors what other successful franchises have done. By building out the world and investing in new characters, Jordan can stay involved as a producer and occasional presence without needing to anchor every project. He’ll remain adjacent to the action rather than at the center of it, which makes sense for someone who’s proven himself as a multifaceted filmmaker.
A new take on classic material
Between Creed projects, Jordan has been buried in another passion project. He spent the past year immersed in pre-production, development and shooting for his reimagined version of The Thomas Crown Affair. The workload was intense, juggling directing, producing, writing and acting duties simultaneously, but Jordan thrives on that kind of challenge.
His love for the property goes back to childhood. Pierce Brosnan’s 1999 version captivated him with its slick sophistication and art world setting. Growing up, Jordan didn’t spend much time in museums, so that film offered a window into a different side of New York entirely. His mother worked as an artist with paints and leather dyeing, which shaped his aesthetic sensibilities more than he realized at the time.
After discovering Steve McQueen’s 1968 original with its innovative split screens and undeniable style, Jordan knew this was a project he needed to tackle. Following Creed‘s success, he approached MGM immediately. The property appealed to him because it had just enough recognition without the crushing weight of expectations that come with something like James Bond.
Reimagining for modern audiences
Jordan made it clear he wasn’t interested in a straight reboot. Both previous versions centered on wealthy white men stealing for sport, a premise that feels hollow and disconnected today. His version digs deeper, making the stakes personal and meaningful while keeping the romance, fashion and sophistication that made the originals memorable.
Legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter brings her transformative vision to the project, and Jordan assembled an impressive ensemble including Adria Arjona, Kenneth Branagh, Pilou Asbæk and Danai Gurira. The result should feel both familiar and completely fresh, honoring what worked about the earlier films while creating something relevant for contemporary audiences.
Building a lasting legacy
What’s most impressive about Jordan’s approach is how he’s thinking beyond individual projects. Rather than chasing the next big payday or clinging to roles that made him famous, he’s building sustainable franchises that can outlive his direct involvement. The Creed expansion into television and his willingness to step back from boxing shows remarkable foresight.
Hollywood is littered with actors who couldn’t let go of their signature roles, but Jordan seems determined to avoid that trap. By nurturing new talent and storylines within the Creed universe while simultaneously exploring completely different genres like The Thomas Crown Affair, he’s setting himself up for a long, varied career.
The boxing ring made Michael B. Jordan a star, but his ambitions extend far beyond those ropes. Whether he’s directing the next generation of fighters or masterminding art heists in designer suits, Jordan is proving he’s got the range and vision to stay relevant for decades to come.
