The underdog story behind the most famous underdog movie is coming to theaters. I Play Rocky will tell the true story of how Sylvester Stallone fought to bring Rocky to life in 1976, and actor Anthony Ippolito has been cast to play a young Stallone.
Ippolito landed the role with a bold move. Instead of waiting for the call, he sent producers an unsolicited audition tape, echoing Stallone’s own determination to fight for his shot. The story could not be more fitting. Just as Stallone refused to sell his script unless he starred in it, Ippolito refused to wait for permission.
The film is directed by Peter Farrelly, who won an Oscar for Green Book. The screenplay is by Peter Gamble, with producers Toby Emmerich and Christian Baha behind the project. Amazon MGM will release it in theaters, not just on streaming, showing that this is positioned as a serious awards contender.
The Story Behind the Story
In the 1970s, Stallone was a struggling actor who turned down offers to sell the script for Rocky because studios wanted another lead. He gambled everything, demanded the chance to star, and the bet paid off. Rocky went on to gross about $225 million on a shoestring budget and won three Oscars, including Best Picture. It also turned Stallone into a household name.
Why Ippolito Fits the Role
Anthony Ippolito is best known for portraying Al Pacino in The Offer, the Paramount+ series about the making of The Godfather. His ability to capture Pacino’s mannerisms gave him credibility as someone who can channel icons with authenticity. Now he faces the challenge of bringing a young Stallone to the screen, showing both his grit and vulnerability.
Rocky’s Ongoing Legacy
The Rocky universe is still alive today. Spin-offs like Creed continue to pack theaters, with Creed IV and a Drago film on the way. There is even talk of a prequel series. The release of I Play Rocky will remind audiences of the original spark that created the entire franchise.
Final Word
I Play Rocky is not just about making a movie. It is about betting on yourself when nobody else believes in you. For Italians and Italian Americans, that story rings true. Stallone’s fight mirrors the pride and persistence that defines our culture.
Are you ready to see the story behind the legend hit theaters?
Yeah, I can see him playing Stallone.
Is Stallone involved in this?