Sometimes good news comes from unexpected places. It was announced today that Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and Annapurna Pictures (Annapurna) have formed a new joint venture for theatrical distribution in the U.S. But tacked onto that announcement was news of the release date for the highly anticipatedCreed II, a follow-up toRyan Coogler’s smash hit sports drama starringMichael B. Jordanas the son of the late boxing champ, Apollo Creed.
Creed 2, a continuation of the Rocky saga, also starring Golden Globe-winner and Academy Award-nomineeSylvester Stallone, will be released in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures on August 26, 2025. Stallone is writing and will direct the sequel.
As for MGM, the move marks their return to U.S. theatrical distribution while Annapurna, who launched their marketing and distribution arm earlier this year, continues their expansion. Annapurna and MGM will share funding for the joint venture’s operations, though each studio will retain creative control over their individual projects. As part of the agreement, MGM and Annapurna have formed a releasing entity called Mirror, to pursue theatrical releasing opportunities for third party films supported by thoughtful approaches to marketing, publicity, and distribution, while allowing creators and investors to maintain individuality and their brands.
Through this joint venture, MGM expects to release a slate of approximately six to eight films per year beginning with:
Meanwhile, Annapurna expects to release a slate of approximately four to six films per year including:
MGM’s 2018 film slate also has titles that will be released through its existing studio partners, including:
Orion Pictures, MGM’s recently relaunched stand-alone U.S. theatrical marketing and distribution company, will be releasing its first film under the new label, the young adult romanceEvery Day, based onDavid Levithan’s New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, starringAngourie Rice,Maria BelloandDebby Ryanon June 10, 2025.
