The path to stardom has been meteoric for Michael B. Jordan. After an acclaimed breakout role in 2013’s Fruitvale Station, the Los Angeles-based Actor quickly has risen to Hollywood’s top-tier of talent with high-profile roles in critical and commercial successes Creed and Black Panther. In addition to a surprise visit to Toronto to promote his latest effort Creed II, in which he reprises the titular role of boxer Adonis Creed, he also made time to do good for our community. Jordan returns to the City after having filmed HBO‘s Fahrenheit 451 here last year and also having promoted Creed here back in 2015.
MLSE LaunchPad is situated in Toronto’s Moss Park, a collaborative workspace designed to help youth realize their fullest potential through discipline, goal setting and athletic excellence. The 42,000sq ft space just launched its first ever boxing program. Jordan presented a special group of high-achievers who were hyped-up prior by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Carlton the Bear and the Toronto Raptors’ Raptor, not only a chance to see Creed II first last night courtesy of Warner Bros. Canada, but also a large volume of boxing equipment empowering them to fortify their life and boxing skills. The Venue’s Director of Sports Programming Justin Bobb unveiled the generous donation behind a curtain, from which Jordan appeared as a surprise. He came out, greeted to a room of cheers surrounded by youth rushing to his side for a Photo Op.
See the Trailer for Creed II:
Our David Baldwin had the chance to chat with Jordan about the eagerly-awaited followup to 2015’s Oscar-winning Creed. Jordan, in town for a quick minute met a line of select local Media before heading off to his next destination on the Film’s Press Tour. He was asked what drew him to make such a charitable donation for Toronto’s youth and also about leaving behind his own mark.
Jordan tells us, “I feel awesome doing it. It’s not hard to get me here, they are the future. You invest positivity in them and if we really raise them the right way, we can really change the world. Anything to do with kids, I’m always showing up for.”.
We ask about Jordan and his part in the Rocky legacy. He states, “My and Ryan (Coogler) really wanted to focus on creating Creed’s legacy, we really wanted to focus on him and to have his own franchise. Lucky enough for us we were able to have two movies and hopefully we’ll see more.”.
See the Chat below and highlights from Jordan‘s appearance:
The Rocky franchise is one of those film series that might go down at times but can never be counted out. Everyone had thought that the storied franchise was done after 2006’s Rocky Balboa but new life was breathed into the franchise with last fall’s surprise blockbuster, Creed.
Creed was a massive critical and financial success that helped to successfully reboot the rapidly aging franchise for a new generation. The film grossed $173.6 million on a measly $35 million budget and made newcomer Michael B. Jordan into a bona fide star. It even helped to earn Sylvester Stallone an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Creed actually managed to revive Rocky in the video game world, too. It brought about a mobile fighting game for smart devices, Real Boxing 2, as well as new a licensed casino title based on the franchise at large. This site called the latter a “heavyweight slot” that “packs a punch,” as players are encouraged to step into the ring against some of the most famous adversaries of the Italian Stallion from throughout the series. With this level of success in the theatres and even in gaming, it comes as no surprise that there’s already talk of a sequel to Creed. And we have the low down on some of the most enticing rumours for the upcoming film, including several seriously big cameos.
Much of Creed‘s success came from the unflinching realism of the film. One of the reasons the fights looked so real is these largely weren’t actors in the ring. Creed starred several real-life fighters as the opponents of the titular character; former super-middleweight champion Andre Ward played Danny “Stuntman” Wheeler and former light-middleweight champion Gabriel Rosado played another of Creed’s challengers. In fact, Creed’s opponent in the final bout was none other than current EBU cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew, so naturally we’re already thinking ahead of which fighters might make an appearance in the sequel.
Few fighters are more popular (or as talented) as Irishman Conor McGregor and according to one blog, director Ryan Coogler had hinted that he’d love to have McGregor at least make a cameo in the next film in the series. Unfortunately, it might be a long shot for fans of “The Notorious” as it definitely won’t be happening with Coogler at the helm. The director has been forced to drop out of the project due to his commitment for the upcoming Marvel film, Black Panther.
Thankfully, rising star Michael B. Jordan is still completely on board and he has big ideas for what to expect from a sequel. This article states that the actor feels the sequel needs a proper villain, not dissimilar to Ivan Drago in Rocky IV. He was actually responsible for the death of Creed‘s father, Apollo, and as close to a true villain the series has ever gotten. If Creed 2 ends up looking more like Rocky IV, we’re more than OK with that. It’s one of the best films in the franchise and it’d be great to see Jordan fight up against an honest-to-goodness bad guy. Who knows, maybe Conor McGregor might be just the man for the job.
It might have been Star Wars all Christmas weekend, but the others aren’t faring too bad! STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS continues a monstrous run at the Box Office, at the top yet again this weekend with $157 million for Disney from 4,134 theatres. Its latest feat sees it getting the distinction of being the quickest Film ever to reach the $500 million-mark, grossing now $553 million in just over one week domestically!
DADDY’S HOME debuts in second with $46 million from 3,721 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Critics panned it with a 28% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences were far more forgiving with a B+ CinemaScore. The Comedy reuniting Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg bests their last collaboration, The Other Guys, which opened with $35 million in 2010.
JOY opens a respectable third with $20 million from 2,896 theatres for 20th Century Fox. The Oscar vehicle for Jennifer Lawrence based on the true story of the Miracle Mop creator, didn’t get a lot of love from Critics with 58% on the Tomatometer, but got an okay B+ at CinemaScore.
ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP is in fourth in its second week out with $16 million from 3,705 theatres for 20th Century Fox. It has made $42 million in its North American run.
SISTERS certainly isn’t shamed, in fifth with $14.8 million from 2,962 theatres in its second week out for Universal Pictures. It nears the $40 million-mark domestically.
CONCUSSION, an Oscar vehicle for Will Smith, opens in sixth with $13 million for Sony Pictures. Critics gave it a passing 60% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences definitely enjoyed it with an A CinemaScore.
Playing only in 1,585 theatres, THE BIG SHORT is in seventh with $11.5 million for Paramount Pictures. Certified “fresh” on the Tomatometer, this star-studded affair with Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt gets an 86% score on that site and an A- CinemaScore also from Audiences.
POINT BREAK, a remake of Kathryn Bigelow‘s acclaimed action flick, opens in eighth with $10.5 million for Warner Bros. Critics panned it with a 4% only on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore gives it a bit more hope.
CREED rounds-out the Top Ten with $5 million in its fifth week out for Warner Bros. It is closing quick on the $100 million-mark.
Not that there ever was any doubt about it, but STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS makes an astronomical debut this weekend with $238 million for Disney, from 4,134 theatres. This not only sets a record for the largest domestic opening ever for a Film, but also critically fares well with an A CinemaScore from satisfied Audiences and a stellar 95% score from Critics on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer. Among other records, it became the first ever Film to cross $100 million in one day ane also it has the distinction of being the fastest Film the surpass both the $100 and $200 million-marks. By comparison, the first ever Film in the Franchise in 1977 opened in 43 theatres only with $1.5 million earned in its first weekend.
ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP is the latest in the successful Franchise, debuting with $14.5 million for 20th Century Fox, good enough for distant second at 3,653 theatres. Despite an A- CinemaScore from Audiences, Critics gave it only 14% on the Tomatometer.
SISTERS starring famed duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler opens in third with $14 million from 2,962 theatres for Universal Pictures. With a B CinemaScore from Audiences, it gets a passable 62% on the Tomatometer.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 is in fourth this weekend with $5.3 million now in its fifth week out. It has made $254 million in its domestic run to date for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.
CREED is in fifth this weekend with $4.8 million for Warner Bros. In four weeks it has made $87.6 million in North America.
SPECTRE in its seventh week out rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.3 million. It now has grossed $193 million domestically for Sony Pictures.
Despite Moviegoers being busy with the Holidays right now, enough of them went out this tepid weekend to make THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 number one a fourth straight week with $11.1 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films. In its run domestically, it has grossed $244.3 million.
IN THE HEART OF THE SEA debuts in second spot with $10.5 million for Warner Bros., from 3,103 theatres. Despite a decent B+ CinemaScore from Audiences, the Ron Howard-directed Drama starring Chris Hemsworth, garnered only 43% on the Tomatometer from Critics.
THE GOOD DINOSAUR continues to show great consistency, in third with $10 million this weekend for Disney, from 3,606 theatres in its third week out. This time next week it will have exceeded the $100-million-mark.
CREED lands in fourth this weekend with $9.6 million for Warner Bros., tallying-in at $78 million in North America in its third week out.
KRAMPUS after a second-place debut, slips to fifth this week with $7.6 million from 2,919 theatres. It has made $27.2 million in two weeks.
SPOTLIGHT is in ninth with $2.3 million for Open Road Films/ eOne Films, earning now $20 million in six weeks of limited release. It plays at an increasing 1,089 theatres.
BROOKLYN rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.9 million for Mongrel Media/Fox Searchlight, bringing its total to $14 million in six weeks out.
Although fewer visited the theatres this weekend, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 still reigns supreme at the Box Office in North America for a third consecutive week. Playing at 4,086 theatres, it pulls-in $18.8 million, a tally of $227.3 for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.
Debuting in second is the Horror KRAMPUS, opening with $15.3 million from 2,902 theatres for Universal Pictures. Starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette, the Film earned a respectable 63% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.
THE GOOD DINOSAUR is in third in its second week out with $15.1 million for Disney, grossing $75 million thus far domestically.
CREED is in fourth this weekend with $14.6 million in its second week out for Warner Bros., playing at 3,424 theatres.
SPECTRE places fifth with $5.6 million in its fifth week out for Sony Pictures, now having made $184 million in its North American run.
Oscar Contender SPOTLIGHT is in eighth spot for Open Road/eOne Films with $2.9 million. In five weeks it has made $16.6 million, mostly in limited release.
BROOKLYN is in ninth with $2.7 million for Fox Searchlight/Mongrel Media, playing at 906 theatres. It has made $11.4 million thus far in five weeks, also mostly in limited release.
SECRET IN THEIR EYES rounds-out the Top Ten with $2 million in its third week out for STX/eOne Films.
It may be Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S., but people certainly are going to the Movies! THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 maintains its dominance at the Box Office a second week with $50.3 million from 4,175 theatres for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films. Domestically in two weeks it has grossed $197.1 million!
THE GOOD DINOSAUR debuts strong for Pixar/Disney with $39.5 million from 3,749 theatres. Audiences gave the Animated Feature an A CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a solid 77% on the Tomatometer.
CREED, the latest installment of the Rocky Franchise opens in third with $28.7 million from 3,404 theatres for Warner Bros. Very strong reviews at 93% on the Tomatometer for the Boxing Drama starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, and also an A CinemaScore should give it legs to run on in coming weeks.
SPECTRE is in fourth this weekend with $12.7 million for Sony Pictures, from 2,940 theatres. In four weeks it has made over $176 million in North America.
SPOTLIGHT expands to 897 theatres for eOne Films/Open Road Films and does it successfully with $4.2 million. The Catholic Church Scandal Drama filmed partly in Toronto, is seen widely as a major Oscar contender. In four weeks of limited release mostly, it has made $12 million domestically.
BROOKLYN, also an Oscar contender expands to 824 theatres for Mongrel Media/Fox Searclight with $3.7 million. In four weeks of limited opening, the Film starring Saoirse Ronan has made $7 million.
THE MARTIAN rounds-out the Top Ten after an extremely successful run for 20th Century Fox, with $3.2 million in its ninth week out. It is nearing the $220-million-mark domestically.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers to see the gripping latest installment of the ROCKY franchise, CREED! These are Run-of-Engagement Passes so you can see them on your schedule as long as it is in Canadian theatres in your city or town!
Synopsis:
From Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema comes award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s “Creed.” The film reunites Coogler with his “Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo Creed, and explores a new chapter in the “Rocky” story, starring Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role.
Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa.
Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring.
With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Indicate which city you are from also, kindly! You can click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/creed @MRWILLW wants us to #win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see #CREEDMovie! Out 11/25.
The Cast of CREED were in-town recently. Our snaps:
Michael B. Jordan
The beautiful #TessaThompson in #Toronto promoting #CREEDMovie, latest in #Rocky franchise. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release CREED on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)
Fans of the ROCKY franchise will be thrilled to see its latest installment, as our favourite on-screen boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) passes on the torch in mentoring the son of his colleague Apollo Creed in Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan).
The stars of the Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station) penned and directed Film are in Toronto on a 24-hour whirlwind Press Day which saw them surprise fans at a private screening of Creed last night, introducing the drama at TIFF Bell Lightbox. And fans took to Instagram and Twitter expressing their shock and delight and later in the evening! We hear the Trio were spotted at a hot sports bar where Jordan caught-up on his football.
Loved CREED!! Go see the movie! #CreedMovie @michaelb4jordan @TThompsonYES https://t.co/5DjhQvofF7
— ϟїη Ðαḯ ♥♫ █♥█ ツ (@sindai) November 9, 2015
Coogler reunites here with up-and-coming Jordan after phenomenal acclaim on their 2013 drama Fruitvale Station. Stunning actress Tessa Thompson (Dear White People, Selma) also is a part of the tour, playing the role of Bianca in Creed. Despite quickly zipping by, we caught-up with the Trio earlier today and it was amazing getting a snap with Jordan who promised to do one on his way out after being in a rush. Thompson was relaxed and kindly stopped for a photo, while Coogler was enjoying his morning coffee as he geared-up what looks to be a long day as they visit the next city on their promo tour later today. Be sure to check-out their interview on The Roz & Mocha Show tomorrow on KISS 92.5. Later in the day, the Trio headed to Queen Alexandra Middle School, attending an assembly with 250+ students without warning and drawing cheers as they donated $5,000 to their current fundraiser campaign.
The talented #MichaelBJordan in #Toronto promoting latest #ROCKY installment, #CREEDMovie. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
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