Get ready to step into the ring with a story that’s as inspiring as Rocky Balboa himself—but this time, it’s about the man behind the icon. Anthony Ippolito is stepping into the shoes of a young Sylvester Stallone in the upcoming film I Play Rocky, and the first on-set images are here to knock your socks off. But here’s where it gets controversial: Stallone himself hasn’t given his official blessing to the project. Is this a bold tribute or an unauthorized retelling? You decide.
In this biographical drama, Ippolito—known for his role in The Offer, where he portrayed a young Al Pacino during the making of The Godfather—takes on the challenge of bringing Stallone’s early struggles to life. The film dives into the true story of Stallone’s relentless pursuit to not only write Rocky but to star in it, despite being told ‘no’ at every turn. It’s the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.
And this is the part most people miss: the cast is stacked with talent. Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) will play Carl Weathers, AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) will portray Stallone’s first wife, Sasha Czack, and Matt Dillon steps in as Stallone’s father, Frank Stallone Sr. PJ Byrne and Jay Duplass round out the cast as producer Irwin Winkler and director John Avildsen, respectively. Directed by Peter Farrelly (Green Book) and written by Peter Gamble (Trenches), this film promises to pack an emotional punch.
According to THR, Ippolito went above and beyond to land the role, creating an unsolicited audition tape and sending it directly to the producers. His determination mirrors Stallone’s own grit, making him a fitting choice for the part. But here’s the kicker: Stallone is reportedly waiting to see the finished product before forming an opinion. Will it live up to his legacy, or will it fall short? The debate is already heating up.
Producer Christian Baha described the script as ‘energetic and poignant,’ capturing the essence of Stallone’s journey as an everyman with an unshakable gift. ‘This story needed grit and determination to come to life,’ Baha said, echoing the film’s central theme. With legends like Toby Emmerich and Peter Farrelly on board, expectations are sky-high.
But here’s the question we can’t stop thinking about: Can a film about Stallone’s rise truly capture the magic of Rocky without his explicit endorsement? Is it a risk worth taking, or should some stories remain untold? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
