Nearly 50 years after the release of the iconic boxing film *Rocky*, a new movie chronicling the story behind its creation is set to premiere, reigniting interest in the legendary underdog tale of Sylvester Stallone’s rise to fame. The upcoming biographical film, *I Play Rocky*, directed by Peter Farrelly, explores Stallone’s journey from struggling actor to Hollywood star, highlighting the obstacles he overcame to write and star in the original 1976 movie.
The role of Stallone is played by 27-year-old actor Anthony Ippolito, whose casting marks a significant breakthrough in his career. Ippolito, a New Yorker, actively pursued the role over several years through a persistent series of unsolicited audition tapes, despite industry speculation that bigger-name actors were favorites for the part. Farrelly and the film’s producers have said Ippolito was the first actor they considered and ultimately the only one they auditioned for Stallone, highlighting the actor's compelling resemblance and performance.
While Ippolito’s natural appearance differs somewhat from the early Stallone, the actor underwent a substantial physical transformation to capture Stallone’s distinctive voice, gait, and mannerisms. This included bulking up with a rigorous diet and embodying the physicality of the famed boxer-turned-actor. Stallone himself reportedly responded positively to Ippolito’s portrayal, acknowledging the performance as an authentic tribute to his perseverance during difficult times.
*I Play Rocky* delves into a challenging period of Stallone’s life, when he worked as a fishmonger and appeared in adult films to make ends meet. The movie depicts his early career struggles, including the limited and typecast roles he obtained and the dismissive attitude of his domineering father, a character portrayed by Matt Dillon. Despite these hardships, Stallone’s talent as a writer and actor slowly emerged.
The film highlights the frenzied production of *Rocky*, emphasizing the low-budget shoot that faced risks such as union conflicts and injuries sustained by Stallone. One notable scene features Stallone punching a frozen side of beef while filming, resulting in a broken hand. Additionally, *I Play Rocky* dramatizes the pivotal moment when producers offered Stallone a substantial payout to give up the lead role. Stallone rejected the offer, choosing to star in the film he wrote despite financial difficulties at home, including selling his dog to pay rent—a gamble that ultimately paid off when *Rocky* won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Ippolito, whose background includes playing a young Al Pacino in the TV series *The Offer* as well as roles in *Grand Army* and other productions, credits his upbringing as a former baseball pitching prodigy with teaching resilience in the face of failure, a quality he draws on in his acting career. He described the challenge of portraying two iconic actors and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring Stallone’s untold story to the screen.
*I Play Rocky* is scheduled for release in the United States and United Kingdom on November 6, with Australian cinemas set to premiere the film on January 1. The movie is generating early buzz for potential awards season recognition, particularly for Ippolito’s lead performance, which positions him alongside established actors such as Tom Cruise and Matt Damon.