Hello nerds!

As a child of the 80s, I was reared on Rocky. If you love tales that parallel some of the greatest pro-wrestling storylines of all-time and Sylvester Stallone, then you fucking adore the story of the Italian Stallion as much as I do and miss it dearly. So, as an adult I searched for something that could fill the prize fighter-shaped hole in my heart, but alas there was no joy to be had. 

The films of the Rocky franchise are at times a sappy and a bit predictable, but they've captured an essence and a certain charm that virtually no other boxing movie could. Many have tried and all have filed. Thankfully, in 2015 the world of Rocky expanded when director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan gave us Creed and everything felt much better. 

Creed boasts a cast comprised of Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Sylvester Stallone being directed by Ryan Coogler based off of a script that he wrote. The film focuses on Donnie Johnson aka Adonis Creed, son of Apollo, and his quest to become a fighter. In order to do so, he turns to Rocky Balboa to train him. As you can imagine, the rest is the stuff of movie magic. 

In fact, Creed was so magical, the whole gang is back for another bout and this time it's against a familiar-ish foe.

Fuck him up, Creed. Fuck him up! For those who are unfamiliar with the familia history between the Creeds and the Dragos, Papa Ivan is the guy who iced Apollo during an exhibition in Vegas. Fast forward through a few decades of Cold War animosity, thanks Iron Eagle, and here we are. It's Adonis Creed vs. Viktor Drago. Two men enter. One man leave.

Creed II stars Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad, with director Steven Caple Jr. taking over for Ryan Coogler, who is producing alongside the film's writer, Sylvester Stallone. And speaking of Stallone, the film will also see the return of Sly as Rocky Balboa and Swedish mountain Dolph Lundgren is back once again as Ivan Drago.

Creed II hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2018, when we’ll know for sure if the original was lightning in a bottle or the start of a series with stamina.

For pudding, do enjoy the official synopsis and poster.