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 legend. 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 has neither endorsed nor criticized the project, reportedly waiting to see the finished product before weighing in. Is this a respectful tribute or a risky retelling of a cinematic icon’s journey? You decide.
I Play Rocky isn’t just another biopic—it’s the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie. The film chronicles Stallone’s relentless pursuit to not only write Rocky but to star in it, despite being told ‘no’ at every turn. Ippolito, known for his role in The Offer (where he played a young Al Pacino), reportedly went all-in for this part, creating an unsolicited audition tape and sending it directly to the producers. Talk about channeling Stallone’s can-do spirit! And this is the part most people miss: Ippolito’s determination mirrors Stallone’s own hunger to break into Hollywood, making his casting feel almost poetic.
The film boasts a stellar cast, with Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) as Carl Weathers, AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) as Stallone’s first wife, Sasha Czack, and Matt Dillon as Stallone’s father, Frank Stallone Sr. PJ Byrne and Jay Duplass round out the ensemble as producer Irwin Winkler and director John Avildsen, respectively. Directed by Peter Farrelly (Green Book) and written by Peter Gamble (Trenches), this project has been years in the making, with producer Christian Baha calling it ‘as unique as Sylvester Stallone himself.’
But let’s pause for a moment—is it bold to tell Stallone’s story without his explicit blessing? Baha Productions certainly thinks so, having fought for years to bring this vision to life. ‘This story needed grit and determination,’ Baha said, echoing the very essence of Stallone’s journey. Yet, the question remains: Does the world need another take on Rocky, or is this a story that should have stayed in the ring of Stallone’s own telling?
For now, you can check out the first-look images of Ippolito as Stallone, courtesy of World of Reel. Whether you’re a die-hard Rocky fan or a skeptic, one thing’s for sure—this film is already sparking conversations. What do you think? Is I Play Rocky a knockout tribute or a risky swing? Let us know in the comments below!
