WATCH: Sylvester Stallone Visits Rocky Statue In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – Throngs of people already crowd the Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Art Museum to pay homage to and take photos with the legendary Philadelphia character created and portrayed by Sylvester Stallone.

And in a unique situation, Stallone himself stopped by the statue Friday, April 6.

The actor-writer-director is in town as shooting for the new film "Creed II" is underway.

Crowds of people lined the area around the iconic statue, which was installed at the top of the Art Musuem steps in 1982 then later moved to the side of the steps at street level, to see Stallone visit the statue.

Mayor Jim Kenney was also on hand as Stallone saw his statue and posed for photos with him in front of the statue.

And Stallone, who grew up in the City of Brotherly Love, showed his love for Philadelphians by shaking hands and taking photos with the cheering crowd.

"Creed II" is the follow up to "Creed," which was lauded for its depiction of Philly as a gritty but hopeful and spirited city.

The film stars Stallone as Rocky Balboa and Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky's rival-turned-confidant Apollo Creed.

"Creed II" will continue the trend of putting Rocky favorites in a new setting, as Jordan's Adonis Creed will take on the son of Rocky's most infamous opponent Ivan Drago.

The film has tapped into the local Philly community to cast extras, keeping with the idea of giving audiences the most authentic take on the city.

"Creed II" is slated for a late 2018 release.

Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images