Steven Caple Jr. Set to Direct ‘Creed 2’
After Ryan Coogler left the director’s chair for the upcoming Creed 2, Sylvester Stallone was announced to take on the duty but Sly eventually stepped down. Everyone began to wonder who would wear the general’s hat to keep this resurrected franchise afloat?
Now Variety is reporting that up-and-coming director Steven Caple Jr. has been tasked with the job. Michael B. Jordan, the main character in the film, even took to his twitter account to announce the big switch. Check it out below:
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
— Michael B. Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) December 11, 2017
Steven Caple Jr. grabbed the attention of Jordan, Stallone and the studio based on his 2016 Sundance Film The Land. This will be Steven’s first time directing a feature film from a major studio. Check out what Stallone had to say about the decision to hire Steven:
“The character of Adonis Creed reflects this generation and its challenges. I believe it’s important for the director to also be a part of this generation like I was in mine, to make the story as relatable as possible. We are extremely lucky to have the talented young filmmaker Steven Caple Jr. step up and accept the role of director. I am confident that he and Michael B. Jordan will hit it out of the park!”
Steven’s rise in Hollywood is almost a mirrored experience just like Coogler whose first major directing job was on Creed after making airwaves with his award-winning indie film Fruitvale Station. Even though this will be Steven’s first major directing job, his aesthetic as a filmmaker will be an amazing addition to the franchise. His most recent work includes directing the season finale of the spin-off series for the Freeform network Grown-ish and writing the screenplay for the unitled Emmett Till project for HBO produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z.
Filming on the sequel is said to begin in March of 2018 in Philadelphia where Jordan, Stallone and Tessa Thompson will return to reprise their roles. Are you excited for this film? Is Steven Caple Jr. the right choice to direct? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
SOURCE: Variety
Creed 2 swings into theaters November 18, 2018.