'Creed 2': Steven Caple Jr. replaces Sylvester Stallone as director

Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Steven Caple Jr. is replacing Sylvester Stallone as director of upcoming boxing sequel Creed 2.

Stallone will be reprising his role as Rocky Balboa in the film alongside Michael B. Jordan, who portrays the son of Rocky series regular Apollo Creed. The first entry followed Jordan as he became a boxer trained by Stallone.

Caple Jr. is said to have been hand-picked by Stallone and Jordan to helm the film after a lengthy search, Variety reported.

Stallone announced on social media in October that he was going to direct the film after writing the screenplays for six previous Rocky films and directing Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV and Rocky Balboa.

Caple Jr. recently wrote HBO's Emmett Till project from producers Will Smith and Jay-Z and is directing the season finale of Freeform's Black-ish spinoff, Grown-ish.

"Excited for Coogler to hand over the reins to Steven Caple, Jr. - our director for Creed 2! Can't wait to bring you guys the next chapter of our story ... coming at you November 2018," Jordan wrote on Twitter Monday about Caple Jr.'s involvement while mentioning the first film's director, Ryan Coogler.

"The character of Adonis Creed reflects this generation and its challenges," Stallone said in a statement. "I believe it's important for the director to also be a part of this generation like I was in mine, to make the story as relatable as possible." He added, "We are extremely lucky to have the talented young filmmaker Steven Caple Jr. step up and accept the role of director. I am confident that he and Michael B. Jordan will hit it out of the park!"