Are you a fan of Akira? Then you won’t want to miss the incredible reference to the iconic anime in Creed III. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the third installment of the popular boxing franchise features a subtle but unmistakable tribute to the work of Katsuhiro Ōtomo.
Akira, released in 1988, is widely considered one of the most influential animated movies of all time. Its cyberpunk-inspired setting, complex themes, and breathtaking visuals have inspired countless filmmakers, artists, and writers over the years. From The Matrix to Stranger Things, the impact of Akira on popular culture is undeniable.
In Creed III, the concept artist Raphael Phillips and the costume designer Lizz Wolf decided to pay homage to Akira by creating a piece of clothing inspired by one of the anime’s most iconic characters: Shotaro Kaneda.
As Phillips revealed on his official Twitter account, Michael B. Jordan, who is a known anime fan, was passionate about the idea from the start.
So, @thebigbadwolf44 hits me one Sunday afternoon in 2021 and was like: ‘Raph! Michael loves anime so much, what if we pitch him some Akira inspired shorts?’ We took inspo from the design lines of Kaneda’s classic fit, and he loved it 💊 #CreedIII pic.twitter.com/Hl7HlBHxsT
— It’s Still Raph 💰 (@Jehutysan) March 3, 2023
I just leaned into the love @michaelb4jordan had for #anime. Here's our honorable nod to #AKIRA and Kaneda's design.@Jehutysan and #geopavlov solidly brought this into view. Stay tuned for more on all of it. This story will be told! @creedmovie #Creed3 #Creed #CreedIII #Proud pic.twitter.com/zZHZYjHV35
— Lizz Wolf (@thebigbadwolf44) March 4, 2023
The result is a pair of red leather shorts that bear a striking resemblance to the outfit worn by Kaneda in the anime. From the folds and lines of the fabric to the vibrant hue of the material, every detail of the shorts is a loving tribute to Akira. The costume designers even used the same type of fabric from the anime to achieve the perfect look.
If you’re a fan of Akira or just appreciate great visual storytelling, then you won’t want to miss Creed III. The movie, which is set to be released in November 2022, promises to be an action-packed and emotionally charged journey into the world of boxing and beyond.
With Michael B. Jordan leading the charge and a team of talented designers paying homage to one of the greatest anime of all time, Creed III is shaping up to be a must-see for movie fans everywhere.
