Michael B Jordan’s busy week as Creed III releases; premieres, Calvin Klein ad and confronting a school foe

Creed III opens in UK cinemas today, as our beloved pugilist Donnie Creed is set to face off against perhaps his toughest opponent yet - an old childhood friend who had served time in prison. With the previous movies showing more emotional nuances than you may expect from a sports movie, it’s easy to see why it’s being warmly received thus far.

Which must be a relief for the film’s main star, Michael B. Jordan; this marks the actor’s first foray into film directing, having already worked behind the camera in several production roles. But it’s a big step not just for Jordan, but the Creed franchise too - no Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to carry the film and while Ryan Cooglar helped shape the story, this has been a big test for Jordan.

So it comes as no surprise then that the actor, 36, has been undergoing the press rounds to help platform the film to as large an audience as possible. But between those moments, Michael B. Jordan managed to find the time to attend a premiere and also receive his hallowed star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Then there is his Calvin Klein shoot, which has elicited a thirst from many out there who already had a soft spot for Michael B. Jordan - Nicki Minaj, we’re looking at you after your comments a few years ago at an awards ceremony.

Peopleworld has a quick look into the hectic week that Michael B. Jordan had over the past few days, as a primer ahead of your visit to the cinema to see Creed III (Rated 12A.)

Creed III Red Carpet Premiere

Monday saw the stars of Creed III take to the red carpet for the premiere of the film. Taking place and the renowned TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Jonathan Majors (who plays the antagonist in Creed III) were all present and beaming with delight - if Creed did look slightly distracted (with good reason.)

It was a remarkably different affair for Jordan compared to the film’s premiere in Atlanta, where footage of the actor/director being interviewed by a former high school classmate - one that would apparently mock him and his name in their youth - got somewhat of a frosty reception from the actor.

Calvin Klein advert

Then there was the release of his Calvin Klein adverts, with Jordan now being one of the faces of the fashion house. The ripped, toned Jordan did nothing to prevent thirsty fans from lusting after him once again, to the point he had to apologise to his mum for the photos!

Jordan told Entertainment Tonight that he have his mum a pre-emptive apology and warning; "I was like, my mama gon’ have to see this. Let me call her and be like, ‘I’m sorry. It’s out here. My business all out in the streets — literally,"

Tessa Thompson quipped in the same Entertainment Tonight interview that she can only imagine several fans having the Calvin Klein shoot “wallpapered at home.” She also indicated she would be one of those people.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

This week will no doubt be memorable for Michael B. Jordan, if not for his directorial debut with Creed III, then, of course, it would be for the actor finally receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday.

The ceremony featured speeches from director Ryan Coogler and Creed III co-star Jonathan Majors, who showered him with a glowing review of growing up working with the actor, but the deepest cut was when Jordan himself made his speech.

“The idea of receiving an honour like this was like a dream. But I’ve always been a dream chaser, never been afraid of hard work,” Jordan said.

“Thank you to my brother, Jonathan Majors, for joining me on this ‘Creed’ journey, supporting me here today, getting me all teary-eyed and s—. ... It was a true honour to watch you and your genius every day from behind the camera in a way that you made it harder for me to hop in front of the camera and sock you in the face every once in a while.”