Peter Farrelly and Anthony Ippolito collaborate on “I Play Rocky,” a biographical film about the creation of the legendary Rocky series. This Sylvester Stallone Rocky biopic focuses on the actor’s hardships while bringing the iconic boxing story to the screen and is scheduled for release to mark a major milestone anniversary.
Release Scheduled for November 2026 During Rocky’s 50th Anniversary
Amazon MGM Studios will debut “I Play Rocky” in U.S. theaters on November 20, 2026, following a limited release on November 13. This timing coincides closely with the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film, which first premiered on November 21, 1976. The release date aims to honor the enduring impact of Stallone’s breakthrough role.
Anthony Ippolito Stars as Young Stallone in Farrelly-Directed Film
Anthony Ippolito takes on the role of a young Sylvester Stallone in the movie, directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly, known for “Green Book.” The screenplay, written by Peter Gamble, portrays Stallone’s determination to star in Rocky despite financial hurdles and multiple rejections. At 29, Stallone faced significant challenges, including a speech impediment and partial facial paralysis, yet he insisted on playing Rocky himself, turning down lucrative offers to sell the script and helping finance the film’s production for under $1 million.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Rocky’s Journey to the Big Screen
The original Rocky surpassed expectations, grossing over $200 million globally and winning the 1977 Academy Award for Best Picture. “I Play Rocky” captures the intense effort behind the scenes to launch the film and Stallone’s relentless commitment to embodying Rocky Balboa. The cast features notable actors such as Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, and Stephan James portraying Carl Weathers, among others.
Production Team and Supporting Cast Highlight Biopic’s Depth
Additional cast members include Kiki Seto, Robert Morgan, Saul Stein, Trevor St. John, Erik Palladino, and Rob Demery. FilmNation Entertainment managed international sales and production services, with Toby Emmerich, Christian Baha, and Peter Farrelly producing. Christian Baha stated in 2024,
“When I first read Peter Gamble’s energetic and poignant script, I knew it captured something very special,”
conveying the script’s powerful resonance. Anthony Ippolito previously portrayed Al Pacino in the limited series “The Offer,” marking his second role as a renowned Italian–American actor.
Significance of the Film’s Anticipated Release
“I Play Rocky” offers an intense and intimate look at Sylvester Stallone’s journey, shedding light on the perseverance that forged one of American cinema’s most beloved characters. By aligning its release with the 50th anniversary of Rocky, the film underscores the original’s lasting cultural influence and invites audiences to witness the untold story of Stallone’s fight to bring Rocky to life.
