MGM Studios just released the first official trailer for Creed III. In the new installment, Michael B. Jordon plays boxer Adonis Creed as he is revisited by an old friend turned rival. For Jordan, it’s not only a return to one of his most iconic role, but it will be his directorial debut as well. Ryan Coogler, – who directed and co-wrote the first Creed film – Kennan Coogler, and Zach Baylin penned the script.

The Creed series is a spinoff of the Rocky franchise. In the first film, Sylvester Stallone reprieves his role as Rocky Balboa to coach Adonis, the son of his formal rival Adonis Creed. Creed III will be the first Rocky film to not have Stallone as a cast member.

Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris, and Florian Munteanu return to the franchise. While actor Phylicia Rashad and professional boxer Canelo Álvarez were added to the cast.

The trailer shows Adonis’ success being threatened by Damian Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors. Damian is his childhood friend who was just released from prison and is looking to make a comeback in the boxing ring.

Initially Adonis is guilty about Damien being locked up and takes him under his wing. But the trailer soon shows Damien’s resentment reaching a boiling point as their training gets increasingly intense.  After a confrontation between the two, Damian says “try spending half your life in a cell, watching someone else live your life. I’m coming for everything.”

The film has a current release date of March 3, 2023.