It’s official: Michael B. Jordan will not only star in Creed III, he will also make his directorial debut with the new film.

Tessa Thompson and Phylicia Rashad are expected to both return for the third installment .

“Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right. Creed III is that moment — a time in my life where I’ve grown more sure of who I am, holding agency in my own story, maturing personally, growing professionally, and learning from the Greats like Ryan Coogler, most recently Denzel Washington, and other top tier directors I respect. All of which sets the table for this moment,” explained Jordan in a statement. “This franchise and in particular the themes of ‘Creed III’ are deeply personal to me. I look forward to sharing the next chapter of Adonis Creed’s story with the awesome responsibility of being its director and namesake.”

Based on an outline by Ryan Coogler, Creed III is written by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin. Jordan will also produce the film with Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Jonathan Glickman and Ryan Coogler. Adam Rosenberg, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler are executive producers.

“The films of Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky franchise have always been important to me and my family. It was an honor to help bring the Creed franchise to life with Sly, Michael, Tessa, Irwin, and all the creative parties involved,” said Coogler. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see Mike in the director’s chair on the third installment. The team at Proximity and I are excited about the story Keenan and Zach have crafted and can’t wait to help bring it to life.”

The film will hit theaters November 23, 2022.

Creed 3

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week