The First Trailer For CREED II Just Entered The Ring

As you probably already know, we are huge fans of Ryan Coogler's Creed here at Birth.Movies.Death., and have been pretty upfront about how apprehensive we are in regards to Creed II. No Coogler? An immediate return to Russia? Donnie (Michael B. Jordan) on some kinda revenge kick against the big-ass Russian boxer who killed his father? Feels risky, Sly. Feels real risky.

With all of that in mind, let's take a peek at what director (and relative newcomer) Steven Caple Jr. has done with Stallone's script. Fingers crossed.

Hm. Well, first trailer's not exactly setting our world on fire. Outside of its highly recognizable cast and the admittedly banging song selection, this feels underwhelming. There's something mechanical and rote going on here, and the big reveal at the end ("DRAGO") lands less like an uppercut and more like a halfhearted flick to the ear. 

Anyway, in case any of the above was unclear, here's an official synopsis:

"Under guidance from Rocky Balboa, boxing phenom Adonis Johnson prepares for a bout against the son of Ivan Drago -- the former Russian fighter who killed his father in the ring years earlier."

Aaand here's the film's first poster, in case you missed it yesterday:

Creed II lands in theaters on November 21st.