Creedwas one of a select few movies last year that hit the sweet spot of both critical and commercial success. The hit spinoff of the belovedRockyfranchise scored a whopping 94% “Fresh” rating with the critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and it took in $173.2 million worldwide, from just a $35 million budget. DuringJimmy Kimmel Live!‘sOscarsspecial last weekend, the late-night talk show host teamed up withTracy Morganand a slew of other stars to present theCreedparody “Clubber.”
Anyone familiar with theRockyfranchise will surely remember the name Clubber, as in Clubber Lang, the ferocious fighter played byMr. Tin Rocky III. Thisspooftoys with theCreedconcept, but instead of Apollo Creed’s son coming to “Rocky” (Jimmy Kimmel), it’s Clubber Lang Jr. (Tracy Morgan), who wants Rocky to train him. The spoof features a number of memorable cameos as well, includingJ.K. Simmons, sportscaster Al Michaels and boxing legendsSugar Ray LeonardandMike Tyson.
All jokes aside,Tracy Morgan’s own comeback trail has been just as inspiring as the fictional story ofCreed. The actor was in critical condition after a horrificcar crashin the summer of 2014. After more than a year of rehabilitation, the actor made a surprise appearance at the Emmy Awards in September, and he went on to hostSaturday Night Livejust a few months later. He also recently signed on to star in upcoming movies such asFist FightwithIce CubeandCharlie Day, and the biopicRichard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, where he will portray legendary comedianRedd Foxx.
Of course, given the success ofCreed, a sequel is in the works. Last month, MGM CEOGary Barberteased that he wants to releaseCreed 2in November 2017, but as of now, the movie doesn’t have an official release date. There have been rumors thatSylvester Stallonewon’t return for the sequel as Rocky Balboa, but there have also been reports that the follow-up may reunite him withCarl Weathersas the late Apollo Creed.
It also seems unlikely thatCreedco-writer/directorRyan Cooglerwill be back forCreed 2, since he recently signed on to directBlack Pantherfor Marvel Studios. While we wait for any official updates onCreed 2, check out this star-studded parody video with Tracy Morgan andJimmy Kimmelbelow. Do you thinkCreed 2should actually feature the son of Clubber Lang after watching this video?
