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 behind-the-scenes drama, Ippolito—known for his role in The Offer, where he played a young Al Pacino—takes on the challenge of portraying Stallone during his gritty, underdog rise to stardom. And he’s not alone. Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) will play Carl Weathers, AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) steps in as Stallone’s first wife, Sasha Czack, and Matt Dillon takes on the role of 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) from a script by Peter Gamble (Trenches), this film promises to pack a punch.
But this is the part most people miss: Ippolito didn’t wait for permission to pursue this role. According to THR, he created an unsolicited audition tape and sent it directly to the producers, channeling the same relentless drive that defined Stallone’s early career. It’s a meta moment that mirrors the film’s core theme: the unyielding belief in oneself against all odds.
The movie itself is a deep dive into Stallone’s journey as an unknown actor who refused to take ‘no’ for an answer. It’s not just about writing Rocky—it’s about being Rocky Balboa, fighting to play the role that would define his career. As producer Christian Baha put it, ‘The story of I Play Rocky is as unique as Sylvester Stallone himself, a seeming Everyman with an undeniable gift.’ Baha’s own determination to bring this project to life echoes Stallone’s tenacity, making this film a double underdog tale.
Here’s the kicker: While Stallone hasn’t publicly endorsed or criticized the film, he’s reportedly waiting to see the finished product before weighing in. Will it live up to the legacy of Rocky? Or will it spark debates about artistic freedom and biographical storytelling? One thing’s for sure—this film is already a conversation starter.
What do you think? Is I Play Rocky a knockout tribute or a risky swing? Let us know in the comments below!
