Originally published: February 2nd, 2024.
When people talk about Rocky, they usually talk about Sylvester Stallone. His rags-to-riches story, both on screen and off, has become one of the most enduring legends in Hollywood. But a hero is only as good as the villain standing across from him, and Rocky would never have become an Oscar-winning phenomenon without Carl Weathers.
As Apollo Creed, Weathers delivered more than just a rival for the Italian Stallion—he gave audiences a reason to believe in Rocky’s struggle. Charismatic, cocky, and commanding, Creed wasn’t just an obstacle to overcome; he was the spark that made the underdog story burn so brightly.
Every Hero Needs a Villain
In any form of theatre, every hero needs the perfect villain. The hero, in performance theory, can only be heralded if the odds he overcomes are odds the audience wants to see overcome. With that, it’s often postulated that the antagonist is just as important to the story—if not more so—than the protagonist.
Superman has Lex Luthor. The Undertaker has Kane. Tom Brady has Eli Manning.
For a film that, in 1976, became the biggest underdog story in Hollywood history and made Sylvester Stallone one of the most recognisable faces in cinema, Rocky would never have been a success without Carl Weathers.
From Football to Film
A struggling Bay Area linebacker, Weathers left football behind when he auditioned for the first Rocky film. During his audition, he asked director John Avildsen to bring in a “real actor” to read lines with so he could properly bounce off them. The kicker? Stallone himself was the one reading.
This comment prompted Stallone and Weathers to workshop the scene on the spot—directly leading to one of Stallone’s most famous performances. Stallone later remarked that Apollo’s natural arrogance and poise were exactly what Weathers brought into the room that day.
Weathers wasn’t being cruel—he was simply blunt. That candid confidence mirrored the very essence of Apollo Creed: a man who could carry himself with dignity while casually cutting you down. That authenticity proved pivotal, not just to the character but to Stallone’s entire career.
Apollo Creed: The Perfect Antagonist
The first film presented Apollo as everything Rocky wasn’t. Weathers’ portrayal of an arrogant yet classy and proficient champion struck the perfect balance of charisma and contempt, making audiences both admire him and want to see him beaten.
Apollo’s charm, charisma, and politician-like confidence made audiences return for Rocky II, even after his narrow decision victory in the first movie.
From Arrogance to Insecurity
Rocky wasn’t about Rocky winning—it was about Rocky proving he could still be standing when the bell rang. Apollo, meanwhile, was less about victory than spectacle.
In Rocky II, the script flipped. This time, Apollo had to win—not for the show, but for pride. And even though he technically won the first fight, he hadn’t beaten Rocky.
Weathers delivered a performance layered with insecurity and vulnerability, without ever fully shedding Apollo’s cocky veneer. His body language, his simmering bitterness beneath public calm—it created a nuanced portrait of a champion losing his aura in front of the world.
It’s here that Weathers’ acting chops shone brightest. The bravado was still there, but now mixed with an edge of desperation.
From Rival to Friend
By the third and fourth films, audiences clamouring to love Apollo finally got their wish. A retired Creed became Rocky’s confidant after Mickey’s death, forming a bond built on mutual respect.
In Rocky III, Apollo redeems himself by mentoring Rocky, teaching him to “get the eye of the tiger” and reclaim his fighting spirit. In Rocky IV, Apollo’s shocking death at the hands of Ivan Drago becomes the emotional linchpin of the entire film, giving Rocky his reason to fight.
The Showman’s Final Act
In Rocky IV, Weathers’ range stood out in a film otherwise not known for its acting depth. His flamboyant entrance—complete with James Brown’s “Living in America”—is as iconic as it is tragic, contrasting his larger-than-life persona with the fatal fight that followed.
Even the way Weathers performed Apollo’s awkward, intentionally over-the-top dance showcased a subtle skill: being deliberately bad while still commanding the screen.
Four Films, Four Arcs
Across four movies, Apollo Creed had four distinct arcs:
- The Arrogant Champion (Rocky)
- The Insecure Rival (Rocky II)
- The Redeemed Mentor (Rocky III)
- The Fallen Hero (Rocky IV)
Few supporting characters in cinema evolve so dramatically. Apollo wasn’t just Rocky’s foil—he was the spark that drove the story forward. Stallone may have been the star, but Weathers was the catalyst. Without Apollo Creed, Rocky isn’t a Best Picture winner.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Apollo Creed’s legacy outlived nearly every other Rocky character. His lineage inspired the Creed spin-offs, launching Michael B. Jordan as a global star.
Weathers’ career thrived beyond boxing too. From Predator to Happy Gilmore, from voicing Combat Carl in Toy Story to playing Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, he constantly reintroduced himself to new generations.
“Ain’t It Somethin’, Stallion?”
“Ain’t it somethin’, Stallion? It’s crazy how people, they just care about you when you’re in that ring, and they care about you when you’re bleedin’, but once you step out of that ring it’s like you’re ancient history.” – Apollo Creed, Rocky IV
But Carl Weathers—and Apollo Creed—will never be ancient history.
Rocky is more than a film; it’s a symbol of American culture, the underdog’s dream, a 1970s time capsule. And Carl Weathers is forever part of that fabric. Thank you, champ, for the entertainment.
