Get ready to step into the ring with a story that’s as bold and relentless as Sylvester Stallone himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: I Play Rocky, an upcoming film about the making of the iconic Rocky, is already stirring up buzz—and not just because of its star-studded cast. While Stallone hasn’t officially endorsed the project, he’s reportedly holding his judgment until the final cut. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about Rocky—it’s about the underdog spirit that defined Stallone’s rise to stardom.
Anthony Ippolito, known for his role in The Offer (where he played a young Al Pacino), is now stepping into the ring as a young Sylvester Stallone. Ippolito’s journey to land this role is almost as compelling as the film itself. According to THR, he took matters into his own hands, creating an unsolicited audition tape and sending it directly to the producers. Talk about channeling Stallone’s relentless drive! This can-do attitude mirrors the very essence of the film, which tells the true story of Stallone’s unwavering belief that he was destined not just to write Rocky, but to be Rocky Balboa.
But let’s not forget the rest of the cast. Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) will portray Carl Weathers, while AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) takes on the role of Sasha Czack, Stallone’s first wife. Matt Dillon is set to play Frank Stallone Sr., and PJ Byrne and Jay Duplass will bring producer Irwin Winkler and director John Avildsen to life, respectively. Directed by Peter Farrelly (Green Book) and written by Peter Gamble (Trenches), this film promises to be a knockout.
Here’s the kicker: I Play Rocky isn’t just a biopic—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance. Producer Christian Baha described it as a story about an “Everyman with an undeniable gift who refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer.” Sound familiar? Baha’s own journey to bring this film to life echoes Stallone’s tenacity, making this project a meta-underdog story in itself.
Now, for a sneak peek, World of Reel has shared exclusive on-set images of Ippolito as Stallone, giving fans a glimpse into the magic being created. But the question remains: Will I Play Rocky live up to the legacy of its subject? And more importantly, what do you think? Is this film a tribute to Stallone’s grit, or does it risk overshadowing the man behind the myth? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
