The world of sports anime has taken the entertainment industry by storm, with series like Hajime no Ippo, Megalo Box, Haikyuu, and even Blue Lock captivating audiences with their thrilling narratives. With the legacy of Rocky passed down to Michael B. Jordan’s character in Creed III, the franchise has taken on a new life. However, there’s more to Jordan’s creative pursuits than meets the eye, as the Hollywood star has recently revealed a passion for anime that extends beyond what fans could have ever imagined.
How widespread is Anime anyways?
It feels that Anime has stretched its influence to major American and British personalities. While on one front John Cena admits to being an Anime fan, Ed Sheeran also says he loves Anime.
For 25 years, Michael B. Jordan has expressed his adoration for Japanese animation, unreservedly citing favorites like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, and My Hero Academia in numerous endearing press appearances. However, for the 36-year-old multi-talented individual, his fondness for anime transcends mere fandom.
About Creed III
The movie continues the narrative of Adonis Creed, son of renowned boxer Apollo Creed, as he assumes the mantle of the world heavyweight champion before retiring to prioritize his family.
However, when an old friend from his childhood, a former boxing sensation, re-emerges from incarceration, he’s determined to demonstrate his worthiness of a chance in the boxing ring.
Michael B Jordan’s Anime inspiration and how it reflects in Creed III
The newest release in the Creed series takes significant cues from beloved anime renowned for its high-octane action sequences, exaggerated fighting techniques, and intricate character dynamics, shifting its focus from Naruto and Sasuke to Goku and Vegeta.
The widespread appeal of anime has surged worldwide over the last few decades, permeating various entertainment mediums, such as films, TV series, and gaming. Michael B Jordan’s inaugural directorial effort in the Creed franchise’s third installment demonstrates the impact of this cross-cultural fusion.
Michael B. Jordan’s inspirations from Naruto and Sasuke
Michael B. Jordan recently talked about his Anime inspiration. Citing that there’s a punch scene in Creed III which is inspired by Naruto and Sasuke punching each other. He even cites the episode number, counting Episode 450 of Naruto Shippuden.
What other Anime ‘easter eggs’ can we see in Creed III?
In Creed III, Michael B. Jordan portrays Adonis Creed, the heavyweight boxing champion and descendant of Apollo Creed, for the third time. In addition to his acting role, Jordan also assumed the director’s chair for the first time.
- Drawing on his profound understanding of the unique aesthetics and emotionally-driven narratives of his favorite anime series, Jordan sought inspiration not only for the film’s fight sequences but also for the intricate storyline between Creed and his mysterious childhood friend, Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson, portrayed by Jonathan Majors (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania).
- Anderson makes a comeback to the boxing world to challenge Creed for the title of world heavyweight boxing champion, resulting in a climactic match that feels like a showdown between superpowered giants.
Creed III has inspirations from Shonen Series Action Anime
- The battle between Creed and Damian demanded an equal playing field, where both men could expose their innermost feelings. The scene required an intense emotional backdrop that resonated with the characters’ deep-seated emotions.
- This pivotal moment drew upon Michael B. Jordan’s passion for anime, specifically a scene from Naruto that encapsulated the right emotional level for the scene.
Jordan went as far as to say that the inspiration could also be stretched to the deployable fight between Vegeta And Goku. Given the similarities in the centrality of the fights in both Naruto and Dragonball Storylines. It’s also due to both being Shonen-similarly.
Concluding
It’s evident that Jordan’s love for anime is profound and pervasive. He has acknowledged that he watches anime almost daily, with certain scenes leaving a lasting impression on his mind. Thus, rather than deliberately watching anime for filming purposes, Jordan aligns his shooting with the anime inspirations already etched in his memory.
Also Read: Valorant Episode 6 Act 2: When is the new Battlepass releasing?
Make sure you share, subscribe to our push notifications, and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. You can also follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest PS5 restock and drop. Stay Safe and Happy Gaming!