Tessa Thompson Nabs "Creed" Role

Dear White People and Selma star Tessa Thompson has won the female lead in the spin-off film to the Rocky series titled "Creed" says Deadline.

The story will feature Michael B. Jordan as the son of Carl Weathers' Apollo Creed character.

"Fruitvale Station" filmmaker Ryan Coogler co-wrote the screenplay with Aaron Covington, that sees Apollo's offspring has no desire to box and yet possesses the gifts and potential of his grandfather. He needs a mentor and seeks out retired fighter Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) who isn't eager to return to the boxing world, even as a trainer.

The young Creed will take on a savage opponent named Pretty Ricky Porter (British champion boxer Tony Bellew). Champion boxer Andre Ward is also in the film. 

The project was Coogler's idea in the first place.

Stallone, Kevin King, Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff will produce.

In a series of tweets, Stallone confirmed that production on the project is aiming to begin in January in Las Vegas and Philadelphia.