Sylvester Stallone returns for 'Creed Day' in Philadelphia
CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- It's been nearly 40 years since the first Rocky movie hit theaters and put Philadelphia in the national spotlight.
On Friday, Sylvester Stallone returned to the Art Museum steps, ahead of the release of the franchise's latest installment.
Mayor Michael Nutter also declared Friday to be "Creed Day" as the cast and crew gathered.
"We're coming to see the champ! Me and my daughters," said Joseph Vojtecki of Williamstown, New Jersey.
"When I heard he was going to be here, I was like 'If I have to walk I will be there,'" said Hope Edwards of Odessa, Texas.
Crowds gathered to get a glimpse of one of Philadelphia's favorite sons.
"All you kids in the audience out there, if you don't think you can make it up these steps of life - which is kind of represented here by this museum - don't believe that. If I can do it, you can do it," Stallone said.
"Creed" chronicles the story of Apollo Creed's son and his journey into the world of boxing. You'll remember the elder Creed was Rocky Balboa's opponent in the first two films.
This movie features a different cast of characters, but a storyline that fans will find familiar.
"The importance of dreams and the importance of family and how those two things relate to each other," said writer/director Ryan Coogler. "Ultimately the folks that love you and respect you will always respect and help you achieve your goals."
The movie is set to be released on Thanksgiving Day, the 40th anniversary of the first fight in the first Rocky movie.
