On Variety‘s Playback Podcast, Ryan Coogler explained why he isn’t directing Creed 2.

In December, after numerous reports that Coogler was unlikely to return due to his busy schedule, it was announced that Steven Caple Jr. would be the director, and not Sylvester Stallone.

Coogler said: “I mean of course it was possible. Creed was about my dad and me, so it’s a movie that I find difficult to watch. It’s difficult for me to even think about it, I’ve got so many emotional ties to it, not to mention you know how much I care about the people involved. I care deeply for Mike, obviously, deeply for Tessa, and I grew incredibly close with Sly in making that. These are people that I wanna see do well and win at all costs. There’s timing, and that film for whatever reason it had to go when it’s going. I think it’s a blessing that it’s going, man. It’s amazing that they found an incredible filmmaker in Steven Caple Jr., who’s a guy I actually went to film school with, who I have a lot of love and respect for. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”

Stalonne wrote the script for the sequel with Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker.

Alongside Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson is also returning for the sequel. Pro boxer Florian Munteanu will play Ivan Drago’s son.

The film will follow Adonis Creed (Jordan)’s “life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new-found fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.”

Production is set to begin in March.

If you are thirsting for another Coogler/Jordan collab, don’t worry, as the duo’s next project together will be Wrong Answer, on the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.