On the 'Rocky' steps, Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan talk ‘Creed’ - and sequels

Speaking atop the "Rocky" steps at the Art Museum Friday morning, Sylvester Stallone confirmed the new "Creed" spin-off will launch a new franchise.

"Absolutely, without a doubt," Stallone said, when asked if "Creed" will take the series in a new direction as it follows the ongoing story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed.

Upcoming films, he said, "will follow this young man's journey through all the trials and tribulations that lay ahead."

"It's a new day," Stallone said. "And we will be back."

Stallone also confirmed that the idea for the spin-off came not from him - he conceived "Rocky Balboa" as the last in a six-film series - but from writer-director Ryan Coogler (he made the acclaimed "Fruitvale Station"), whose script has Rocky battling mortality.

"When Ryan came up with the concept I wasn't thinking along those lines, but I said that really opens up an avenue to deal with a subject that many people have dealt with . . . something that is out of your control."

Stallone said he, and Rocky, would love to be an ongoing part of the new films. "As long as you're open to other people's suggestions, there's more to go. I would like to follow this character until eventually he's an angel.

Stallone made his remarks at an event held by the city to declare Nov. 25 "Creed" day in Philadelphia - that's when the movie will be released, nearly 40 years to the day from the release date of the original "Rocky."

The movie stars Jordan as an aspiring fighter who never knew his father Apollo and who struggles to emerge from that famous fighter's shadow. Adonis coaxes Rocky out of retirement to work as his trainer.

Rocky helps the young man learn the fight game, and Adonis helps Rocky find the courage to battle disease, forming an emotional bond that has moved early viewers as much as the fight scenes.

Stallone said "Creed" also captures the values of striving and commitment that stretch all the way back to the original "Rocky," a movie that continues to inspire viewers four decades on.

"I started skipping rocks in the Schuylkill River over there when I was 12 years old," Stallone, who lived in the Northeast as a teen with his mom, told the crowd of onlookers. "So all you kids in the audience there, if you don't think you can make it up these steps of life, which is kind of represented here by this museum, don't you believe that. Because if I can do it, you can do it. It's just a matter of believing it and pushing yourself to the maximum of your ability. That's what this film is about. It's about grabbing hold of an ideal, putting aside your fears, lowering your head and driving forward.

"And taking the ones you love along with you, because without that, without that kind of support, without that family, that person holding your hand in the dark, it's terrifying."

As the crowd cheered, Stallone added, "So, here's to 'Creed.' Here's to the people of Philadelphia, who I love dearly. Keep punchin'."

Director Coogler thanked Mayor Nutter and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office for their help with "Creed," saying, "Obviously, we couldn't have made this movie anywhere else."

Jordan presented Mayor Nutter with some "Creed" swag.

"We wanted to give you some cool gear, so this is a bomber jacket, to help you live out those young days," Jordan said.

The movie received enthusiastic reviews from Mayor Nutter, who saw it at a Thursday night preview.

And also former Eagle Vince Papale, who served as master of ceremonies.

"Wait til you see 'Creed,' you're going to be even more pumped. It is awesome, a great movie," Papale said.

The ceremony also included actress Tessa Thompson, who plays Adonis' girlfriend, and producer Irwin Winkler, who's produced all seven films.