‘Rocky Balboa’ Star Sylvester Stallone On Why He Passed On Writing ‘Creed’ To Ryan Coogler

Sylvester Stallone has revealed why he chose not to pen the screenplay for Ryan Coogler's upcoming sports drama "Creed."

Stallone is set to reprise his role as Rocky Balboa in Coogler's "Creed." In his interview with "Ellen DeGeneres Show," the "Rocky Balboa" star said that the reason that he had not wanted to write the film's screenplay was because it was a whole new generation. Stallone also said that 40 years had passed and what had worked in his generation did not exactly work in this generation.

In his previous interview with The Wall Street Journal, Stallone said that "Creed" had to be true to Coogler's vision and had to be seen through the eyes of a younger man, since the world was so radically different and less naïve when he had written "Rocky."

Stallone also said that he put a particular spin on Balboa's dialogue, since the character had a very intricate approach with his line, saying "He, you know, I'm dumb, and you're shy. We make a couple of nice coconuts, you know?"

For Stallone, everything had just changed. In fact, he also remarked that Michael B. Jordan, who is playing Adonis Johnson in "Creed," was really good. Stallone added that Jordan was the "next thing," pointing out that the "Fantastic Four" star was really a good actor.

Aside from Coogler's "Creed," Stallone is also set to be part of Brad Furman's crime drama "Scarpa," Jericca Cleland and Kevin Munroe's animated adventure film "Ratchet and Clank," Tony Bancroft and Scott Christian Sava's animated comedy film "Animal Crackers," Dave Callaham's action thriller film "The Expendables 4." The nearest one is Ryan Coogler's "Creed."

"Creed" follows previous World Heavyweight Champion Balboa as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed. The film stars Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, Maria Breyman, Jordan as Johnson, and Stallone as Balboa, among others.

Coogler helmed the film while Aaron Covington and Stallone wrote the film script. Robert Chartoff, William Chartoff, Nicolas Stern, Kevin King Templeton, David Winkler, and Irwin Winkler co-produced the film.

"Creed" is set to have a sequel or two. While it is still in its early phase of development, exact details on the plot, characters, cast, and release date are yet to be revealed.

Coogler's "Creed" is now showing in theaters.

Watch the "Creed" trailer here: