It turns out that any mentioning of Sylvester Stallone taking the helm for Creed 2 — We’re looking at you, Sylvester Stallone — was a bit premature. Variety is now reporting that Creed 2 has a director, and surprise, it’s not Sylvester Stallone.

Sources told the outlet that Stallone had considered directing the sequel to Ryan Coogler’s hard-hitting and emotional boxing sequel from a few years back. However, after talking it over with the studio heads, they’ve decided to search for a new talent.

The talent in question is Steven Caple Jr., who was handpicked by Stallone to take the reins. Caple will be directing from an original script from Stallone and Luke Cage showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker.

“We could not be more fortunate and excited for the collaboration of Steven, Sly, Michael and the producers, to build upon the success of Creed,” said Jonathan Glickman, MGM’s president, motion picture group. “The combination of Steven’s talent and unique vision makes him the perfect director to continue the Rocky franchise’s storied lineage.”

Actor Michael B. Jordan chimed in on Twitter, saying:

Excited for Coogler to hand over the reins to Steven Caple, Jr. – our director for Creed 2! Can’t wait to bring you guys the next chapter of our story … coming at you November 2018. 👊🏾👊🏾 #Creed2

— Michael B. Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) December 11, 2017

“It’s an honor to be a part of such an iconic franchise and to work with such great collaborators,” Caple said. “Mike, Sly, and Tessa are extraordinarily talented and bring something special to today’s culture. I look forward to joining the family and continuing the precedent set by this franchise’s alumni of incredible filmmakers.”

“The character of Adonis Creed reflects this generation and its challenges,” Stallone said. “I believe it’s important for the director to also be a part of this generation like I was in mine, to make the story as relatable as possible. We are extremely lucky to have the talented young filmmaker Steven Caple Jr. step up and accept the role of director. I am confident that he and Michael B. Jordan will hit it out of the park!”

Below is the description Variety gave of the film:

“The upcoming installment follows Adonis Creed (Jordan)’s life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with new-found fame, issues with his family, and his continuing quest to become a champion.”

Honestly, this is great news. While Stallone has been with this franchise for a long time, and knows it forwards and backwards, part of the appeal of that first film was its fresh new blood that was injected into it. In going with a new talent, they’re helping to ensure that the voice remains fresh.

What do you think of Creed 2 shooting for a relatively unknown entity (who only has two features to his credit — one of which is a TV movie)? Let us know your thoughts down below!

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SOURCE: Variety