Anthony Ippolito will bring to life the young Sylvester Stallone in the upcoming Amazon MGM drama I Play Rocky, a film that chronicles the inspiring true story behind Stallone’s determination to create his iconic 1976 boxing movie, Rocky. This highly anticipated drama aims to explore how Stallone, then an unknown actor and writer, overcame repeated rejections before finally convincing United Artists to back his passion project.
The Story Behind the Making of Rocky
I Play Rocky focuses on the relentless effort Stallone put into writing and starring in Rocky, which went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1976 and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film’s narrative highlights Stallone’s journey as the ultimate underdog, mirroring the inspirational theme of the original boxing drama. Directed and co-written by Peter Farrelly, known for his success with Green Book, this project is positioned as both an artistic and commercial venture aiming to capture the spirit of Stallone’s breakthrough.
Production Details and Industry Expectations
The film will be produced by Tony Emmerich and Christian Baha, with a screenplay by Peter Gamble. For Anthony Ippolito, this represents his most significant acting role to date. He previously portrayed Al Pacino in Paramount’s limited series The Offer and appeared in several notable projects, including Netflix’s romantic drama Purple Hearts, David Chase’s Not Fade Away, and Adam Sandler’s Pixels. Given Farrelly’s Oscar-winning background and the enduring popularity of the Rocky franchise, Amazon MGM appears to have substantial awards season hopes and commercial ambitions for I Play Rocky.
Connecting to the Legacy of the Rocky Franchise and Future Projects
The Rocky franchise, including the successful Creed spin-offs, has grossed over $1.7 billion worldwide. While Michael B. Jordan, star of the Creed series, is developing Creed IV, the exact timing for that project remains uncertain. Industry observers expect I Play Rocky to premiere first, possibly as soon as late 2026, positioning itself as both a tribute to Stallone’s rise and a continuation of the Rocky legacy in cinema.
