Sly and the Family Creed Take On Philly Once Again, Press Stops, Screenings and After Party
November 9, 2015
by HughE Dillon
In 1976, Rocky Balboa triumphantly ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and became “The Italian Stallion” underdog of legend. Now, actor Sylvester Stallone returned to where it all began to promote the franchise continuation with Creed. He was in Philly on Friday for a whirlwind tour which included press conferences, screenings (UA Riverview & Cinemark University City) and an after party at Top of the Tower.
Earlier this year Philly’s favorite Hollywood son, Sly Stallone, returned to the City of Brotherly Love to film another in the Rocky franchise – Creed.
You’ll recall I chronicled the filming on PhillyChitChat, Fox 29, Philly Mag and had a few pixs in the Philly Daily News, Liberty City Press and Philly Metro. Michael B Jordan, director Ryan Coogler and Sly outside of “Adrian’s Restaurant”. I’m not going to link to those sites as I don’t want to spoil the movie, which will be released on 11/25/15.
Word started to leak out mid-week that the cast of Creed was going to
hold a press conference at the top of the Art Museum Steps.
A few notables in the press came out to cover it
The Mayor was on hand to greet them. There’s Joan Rivera in the back on the left. He just began working in the special events department at City Hall.
I spotted Sharon Pinkenson, Executive director of Greater Philadelphia Film Office. Her office does an excellent job at wooing productions to our City. (Today M. Night Shyamalan‘s “Split” with James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Jessica Sula and Haley Lu Richardson, in Philly now through 12/19/15)
Then the moment came for the cast to exit the Art Museum and take to the stage. Looking fly was
Michael B. Jordan, check out those red bottom shoes.
Sly Stallone waves to the crowd
Vince Papale introduced the Mayor and cast, which was an interesting choice of people. Maybe because he was an underdog like Rocky, and the film Invinceable, about Papale’s life story filmed in Philly, was a triumphant.
Sylvester Stallone Michael B Jordan, and Tessa Thompson waiting to take the stage
Tessa’s character uses the word Jawn a lot in the movie. Thanks to Mina Say What who filled me in to what Jawn meant
Tessa Thompson, Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael B. Jordan Writer/Director Ryan Coogler, Producer Irwin Winkler and Sylvester Stallone,
Tessa Thompson, Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael B. Jordan Writer/Director Ryan Coogler, Producer Irwin Winkler and Sylvester Stallone,
And what tense jawn shouldn’t be used in like when Tessa called herself a Jawn Women at the press conference. Maybe that’s why the mayor is laughing so hard. Tessa said that Philly was her favorite co-star in the film. I saw the film, and I agree with her.
We’re embargoed about what we can say about the film, but I do believe it’s one of the best Rocky movies. Sly did say that Creed would be a new franchise, just like Rocky.
Mayor Nutter honored each of the Creed stars with a replica Liberty Bell.
The bells were inscribed to each of the actors
The cast of Creed presented the mayor with a framed rendering of a mural, created as a special tribute to the city, that was before the Art Museum press conference at the Front Street Gym in North Philly, a location that features prominently in the new film. The cast signed the mural, as well as the framed art work.
They also gifted the Mayor with a “Creed” jacket.
These two make a cute couple – they definitely have chemistry. (later in the evening these two would attend the UA Riverview screening with fans)
After the stage press conference, there was time for a video conference with the news
Then the three settled down for an interview on the Art Museum Steps with a gorgeous view
of the City. I think this interview will be used when the movie comes out. It was interesting how they positioned the stars to capture the City. It was a perfect day for filming the interview, overcast is much better than bright sunshine. Plus at noon the sun would have been in front of us and the glare would have killed any decent shots. (later in the evening a party celebrating the film was held at Top of the Tower on the 51st Floor – it’s opened on weekends for brunch for the rest of us as well as can be rented out for special events), which is the “red, but looks brown” building in this shot.
After the interview Sly signed for fans before leaving the Art Museum Steps
The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema movie is set to be released on 11/15/15, the day before Thanksgiving Day, the 40th anniversary of the first fight in the first Rocky movie. I saw that first Rocky on Thanksgiving day with my Aunt Rosie, cousins Bob & Michael and my brother Ray. This movie captures the same excitement, and will create memories for a new generation.
Check out the Philly Metro for another photo and article on those darn Rocky step changes the Art Museum hopes to do. #JustSayNo
And I have more pixs in Philly Mag
