A 47-Year-Old Rocky Line Explains Why Sylvester Stallone’s Creed 4 Return Will Happen

Creed IV is already in Michael B. Jordan’s plans, and one scene from the first Rocky film indicates Balboa’s comeback in this installment is inevitable. The spinoff film’s pre-production hasn’t even started yet, and there is not much information; however, there are some things to consider about the cast and story before Creed IV moves forward. ​​​​Comparisons between Rocky IV and Creed IV are already a topic of conversation when speculating about the plot and its best approach. However, Rocky Balboa’s (Sylvester Stallone) potential return is at the top of the list of concerns about another franchise entry. Even though Rocky doesn’t appear in Creed III, the franchise is tightly related to the character, the idea of the Italian Stallion being in the next film is always a possibility.

In March 2023, Adonis Creed actor Michael B. Jordan revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he was leaving the door open for Stallone’s return in Creed IV. Of course, thinking of Rocky’s return also raises the question of a boxing comeback, most likely again as a coach. Throughout Rocky‘s nine-movie franchise, on many occasions, Balboa was on the edge of retirement but finally continued with his career in boxing, either as a fighter or a coach. Adonis being fully retired and Rocky’s absence in Creed III could indicate he is done with boxing. However, Balboa’s comeback is always on the table, with this notion being further supported by a scene in the original 1976 movie.

Rocky Never Thought About Retiring Despite His Struggles (& That’s Why He’s Always Likely To Come Back)

In 1976’s Rocky, Balboa struggles to make it in boxing as he participates in small irrelevant fights and can hardly make ends meet. Despite not being acknowledged by the gym’s owner, he persists. At the very beginning of the movie, The Italian Stallion enters the gym and talks to Mickey about his fight against Spider Rico, one of Rocky’s many opponents. Mickey, who continuously diminishes him at this point in the story, asks him if he ever considered retirement. Rocky, without any hesitation, says he didn’t. The first Rocky film thus establishes a quality of the character that is showcased throughout all installments of the franchise: Rocky does not quit, and boxing is everything to him.

Countless times, Rocky thinks of retirement but is finally drawn toward boxing: after losing his first fight against Apollo in Rocky, when he loses the world title to Clubber Lang in Rocky III, when he retires as a fighter but decides to start a career as a coach in Rocky V, when he owns a restaurant and decides to make a comeback in Rocky Balboa, and, lastly, in Creed when he does not want to train Adonis but then ends up doing it. Considering that in eight movies, Rocky can’t seem to be away from boxing, his hypothetical appearance in a new Creed film would doubtlessly have him involved in the sport once again. In the 47 years since Rocky Balboa’s character debuted on the big screen, his retirement has never been a definite fate.

What Rocky’s Role In Creed 4 Could Be

Keeping in mind that there is no information on the plot of Creed IV, many alternatives could be considered for Rocky’s role in his possible return to the franchise. On the one hand, if Adonis were to make a comeback, similar to Rocky, then Balboa could return as his coach. On the other hand, if Adonis chooses to maintain his decision and stay retired, then there are a couple of possibilities. Rocky and Creed could partner up to train a new talent, possibly even training Donnie’s daughter Amara as she puts on her boxing gloves and takes up the family business. Seeing Rocky and Donnie face each other in the ring in Creed IV, both of them as coaches, could provide an interesting twist as well.