Who directed Rocky II?

Sylvester Stallone directed Rocky II. He also wrote the screenplay and reprised his role as Rocky Balboa in the 1979 sequel to the Oscar-winning Rocky.

The first Rocky was directed by John G. Avildsen, but Avildsen did not return for Rocky II because he was occupied with pre-production on Saturday Night Fever. Stallone wanted significant creative control over the sequel and eventually took over directing duties after negotiations with United Artists and producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff.

Rocky II begins immediately after Rocky’s disputed split-decision loss to Apollo Creed. Rocky struggles with fame, injuries, and pressure to retire, while Apollo seeks a rematch to prove that the first fight was a fluke. The film culminates in another championship bout and Rocky’s famous run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

The sequel was both a writing and directing milestone for Stallone. He had already directed the 1978 drama Paradise Alley, but Rocky II established him as the filmmaker guiding the franchise’s central creative direction. George P. Cosmatos later directed Rocky V, while Ryan Coogler directed Creed.