Creed II was originally going to feature a cameo from Apollo’s ghost

Originally published March 24, 2019. Updated July 19, 2024.

During a Q&A at Monster Mania Con 42 in New Jersey (via CinemaBlend), actor Dolph Lundgren was speaking about reprising his Rocky IV role as Ivan Drago in last year’s Creed II, during which he revealed that the first draft of the script featured a cameo from Drago’s fallen foe Apollo Creed in ghost form.

“It was a great idea I thought [to bring Brigitte Nielsen’s Ludmilla Drago back],” said Lundgren. “In the original first draft it was Apollo came back. Or like his ghost or something. It was a little hokey, you know. So I think it was much better to bring Brigitte back.”

Lundgren didn’t elaborate on his comments, so it’s a little unclear as to how Apollo may have featured in the movie – although presumably it would have been some kind of dream or vision, rather than as an actual apparition.

Sylvester Stallone has recently admitted that he regrets killing Apollo off in Rocky IV, so perhaps Sly was just looking for the opportunity to work with Carl Weathers again. Maybe it’s something we’ll get to see in Creed III?

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.