• Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

Flickering Myth

Geek Culture | Movies, TV, Comic Books & Video Games

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles & Opinions
  • Write for Us
  • The Baby in the Basket

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

March 24, 2019 by Gary Collinson

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.

Creed II sees Steven Caple Jr. directing a cast that includes Michael B. Jordan (Adonis Creed), Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa), Tessa Thompson (Bianca), Dolph Lundgren (Ivan Drago), Florian Munteanu (Viktor Drago), Phylicia Rashad (Mary Anne), Wood Harris (Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers), Andre Ward (Danny ‘Stuntman’ Wheeler), Brigitte Nielsen (Ludmila Drago), Milo Ventimiglia (Rocky Balboa Jr.) and Russell Hornsby (Buddy Marcelle).

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

Filed Under: Gary Collinson, Movies, News Tagged With: Carl Weathers, creed II, Dolph Lundgren, Rocky

About Gary Collinson

Gary Collinson is a film, TV and digital content producer and writer, who is the founder of the pop culture website Flickering Myth and producer of the gothic horror feature film 'The Baby in the Basket' and the upcoming suspense thriller 'Death Among the Pines'.

FMTV – Watch Our Latest Video Here

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

13 Underrated Horror Franchise Sequels That Deserve More Love

Max Headroom: The Story Behind the 80s A.I. Icon

Great 2010s Thrillers You May Have Missed

Creepy Cabin Horror Movies You May Have Missed

Revisiting the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

Ten Essential Korean Cinema Gems

Fantastical, Flawed and Madcap: 80s British Horror Cinema

The Return of Cameron Diaz: Her Best Movies Worth Revisiting

The Most Incredibly Annoying Movie Characters

The Worst Movies From The Best Horror Franchises

WATCH OUR MOVIE NOW FOR FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

Top Stories:

Slow Horses Season 5 Episode 4 Review – ‘Missiles’

Movie Review – Good Fortune (2025)

Movie Review – Black Phone 2 (2025)

2025 BFI London Film Festival Review – Is This Thing On?

Comic Book Review – Star Trek: Picard Omnibus

Movie Review – Ballad of a Small Player (2025)

10 Must-See Horror Movies Guaranteed to Make You Squirm

Movie Review – Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025)

The Top 10 Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes

Hasbro unveils new Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Purge Trooper & Patrol Trooper figures

STREAM FREE ON PRIME VIDEO!

FEATURED POSTS:

10 Essential Vampire Movies To Sink Your Teeth Into

10 Great Forgotten Movie Gems Worth Seeking Out

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 50: How A Musical Awoke A Generation

Ten Great Comeback Performances

Our Partners

  • Pop Culture
    • Movies
    • Television
    • Comic Books
    • Video Games
    • Toys & Collectibles
  • Features
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Articles and Opinions
    • Interviews
    • Exclusives
    • Flickering Myth Films
    • FMTV
  • About
    • About Flickering Myth
    • Write for Flickering Myth
    • Advertise on Flickering Myth
  • Socials
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Bluesky
    • Instagram
    • Flipboard
    • Linktree
    • X
  • Terms
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy

© Flickering Myth Limited. All rights reserved. The reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication of the content without permission is strictly prohibited. Movie titles, images, etc. are registered trademarks / copyright their respective rights holders. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you can read this, you don't need glasses.


 

Flickering MythLogo Header Menu
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Articles and Opinions
  • Write for Flickering Myth
  • About Flickering Myth
  • The Baby in the Basket