Sylvester Stallone drops a huge clue that 'Creed 2' could be heavily linked to 'Rocky IV'

Considering the tendency for long-awaited spin-offs to often disappoint, we were pleasantly surprised when Creed arrived in 2015.

Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B Jordan, the film was a worthy addition to the Rocky franchise, to the point that a second installment is already slated to arrive sooner rather than later.

There are many unanswered questions in relation to Creed 2, not least who will direct if Coogler’s Black Panther commitments rule him out, but we’ve already seen the franchise’s biggest star get people talking by dropping a new hint or two.

Sylvester Stallone both starred in and directed Rocky IV – a film many fans call the best in the series – and has spent this week suggesting a certain character from that particular film could be about to return.

In the 1985 film (SPOILERS, but it was more than 30 years ago, so come on), Apollo Creed died in the ring during a fight with Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, leading to Rocky avenging his death.

The rise of Apollo’s son Adonis is the story of Creed, so could his second outing be another revenge mission? Will we see Adonis come face-to-face with Dolph Lundgren’s Drago? Probably not, but Drago’s son? That seems like a pretty likely plot line.

Stallone has been dropping hints on Instagram, and by hints what we really mean is really obvious clues. Late on Sunday evening he uploaded a picture of Michael B Jordan’s Creed facing up to Drago, with the caption: “Here's a chance to stretch your imagination ... HISTORY WILL ALWAYS REPEAT ITSELF IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, JUST GOT TO BE READY! ... Sins of the Father.... #creed2”

That “sins of the father” surely means Creed, Jr. vs. Drago, Jr., right? It’d be a great story for sure, so we’re absolutely here for it.

Initially slated for late this year, the film is now expected to have a 2018 release. We wouldn’t be surprised of Stallone drops another clue or two before all is revealed.

(Main image: Rex Features)