Sylvester Stallone announces Rocky Balboa retirement

He’s had more comebacks than Sugar Ray Leonard, but it seems we may have seen the last of the Italian Stallion as Sylvester Stallone has taken to Instagram to share an emotional farewell speech to the character of Rocky Balboa from the set of Creed II.

“Well, this is probably my last rodeo because what I thought happened, and has happened, I never expected,” states Stallone. “I thought Rocky was over in 2006. And I was very happy with that. Then all of a sudden this young man presented himself and the whole story changed. It went on to a new generation. New problems. New adventures. And I couldn’t be happier as I step back because my story has been told, there’s a whole new world that’s going to be opening up with the audience, with this generation. Now you [pointing to Michael B. Jordan], you have to carry the mantle.”

SEE ALSO: Sylvester Stallone on reprising Rocky role for Creed II and passing the torch to Michael B. Jordan

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bquk06OharC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

 

Stallone first portrayed Rocky Balboa is 1976’s Best Picture-winning Rocky, reprising the role for sequels in 1979, 1982, 1985 and 1990 before returning once again in 2006 for Rocky Balboa, which was intended to bring the curtain down on the franchise. He was brought out of retirement however with the 2015 spinoff Creed, and can currently be seen in theaters – for the last time, it seems – in Creed II.

SEE ALSO: Creed II director discusses the film’s surprise cameo

Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family’s past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what’s worth fighting for, and discover that nothing’s more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can’t escape your history.