Amazon MGM Studios has cast Stephan James as Carl Weathers in the upcoming Sylvester Stallone Rocky biopic, I Play Rocky, directed by Peter Farrelly. This film focuses on the challenging journey of Stallone in creating the 1976 boxing classic, revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles and victories that defined the making of Rocky.
Stephan James Joins Cast to Portray Rocky’s Iconic Opponent
Stephan James, acclaimed for his roles in films such as If Beale Street Could Talk, Race, and Selma, will take on the role of Carl Weathers, who famously played Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s fierce rival. James, a Golden Globe nominee for his work in the thriller Homecoming opposite Julia Roberts, is known for his portrayals of real-life personalities, enhancing the biopic’s authenticity. Previously, he was slated to star in and produce a limited series about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, signaling his strong fit for this dramatic role within a true-story narrative.
Peter Farrelly’s Direction and the Film’s Development
Peter Farrelly, the director behind the Academy Award-winning Green Book and The Greatest Beer Run Ever, is leading I Play Rocky. The screenplay, written by Peter Gamble, marks a critical step in his career. Farrelly has praised Gamble’s script as some of the best he has ever read, emphasizing the compelling nature of the story. Amazon MGM Studios intends to support the film with a theatrical release, underscoring its significance compared to other high-profile titles that have opted for direct streaming debuts.
The Story Behind I Play Rocky
I Play Rocky centers on Sylvester Stallone’s relentless fight to star in the movie he wrote, despite industry pushback favoring a bankable star. The biopic’s synopsis captures this dramatic struggle:
A struggling actor with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment writes a script that a big movie studio wants to buy, but he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead,
outlining Stallone’s determination.
Turning down an offer of life-changing money, he instead works for pennies to get the movie made with himself in the starring role. The movie becomes the biggest box office hit of 1976, notching 10 Oscar nominations and winning Best Picture. The true story of the making of the iconic movie Rocky.
The Lasting Impact of Rocky’s Success
Rocky’s victory was more than just a box office triumph; it became a cultural landmark that earned several Academy Awards—including Best Picture—and solidified Sylvester Stallone’s place in Hollywood. Stallone’s career has flourished, featuring notable action franchises like Rambo and The Expendables. The Rocky series itself expanded into multiple sequels and spin-offs, including the Creed films, maintaining ongoing fan interest. Reports suggest Stallone is developing a prequel series, demonstrating that the story that launched his career is far from finished.
