I Play Rocky: First Look at Anthony Ippolito as Young Stallone

Get your first peek at Anthony Ippolito becoming a young Sylvester Stallone in the upcoming biopic, "I Play Rocky," which dives into the incredible true story behind the making of the iconic film. Production is officially underway, and the first images are a knockout!

TL;DR: Here's the Lowdown on 'I Play Rocky'

Anthony Ippolito (known from "The Offer") is starring as a young Sylvester Stallone in "I Play Rocky."
The film, directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly, tells the true underdog story of Stallone's fight to write and star in the original "Rocky."
First official images reveal Ippolito strikingly resembling Stallone, even running on the beach with a bull mastiff in a nod to iconic scenes.

Anthony Ippolito's Uncanny Transformation into a Young Sly

Yo, Adrian! The internet is buzzing after Amazon MGM Studios dropped the first official look at Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone in "I Play Rocky." And let's just say, the resemblance is pretty uncanny!

One of the standout images features Ippolito’s Stallone jogging on the beach, complete with a classic gray running outfit and a bull mastiff by his side. If you're a "Rocky" fan, you know this scene echoes an iconic moment from "Rocky III" where the Italian Stallion runs with Apollo Creed. But here, it's a throwback to the original film's humble beginnings, capturing the essence of Stallone and his loyal companion, Butkus.

This isn't Ippolito's first rodeo playing a legendary actor. He previously impressed audiences by portraying a young Al Pacino in the Paramount+ limited series "The Offer," which chronicled the chaotic making of "The Godfather." It seems he's got a knack for stepping into the shoes of Hollywood giants!

What’s even cooler is how Ippolito landed the role. Sources say he sent an unsolicited audition tape directly to the producers. Talk about a "never-say-never" attitude — very Stallone-esque, wouldn't you say?

The Jaw-Dropping Tale Behind the Original 'Rocky' Movie

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"I Play Rocky" isn't just about Stallone's look; it's about his grit. The film dives deep into the true story of how a 29-year-old struggling actor, with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment, wrote the screenplay for "Rocky" in a mere three and a half days. But he wasn't just a writer; he had an unshakable belief that he had to be Rocky Balboa.

Despite receiving multiple lucrative six-figure offers for his script, Stallone famously refused to sell it unless he was cast as the lead. Imagine turning down life-changing money to chase a dream! His determination eventually led to the film being produced for less than $1 million. It truly was an ultimate underdog story, both on and off screen.

And boy, did it pay off! The original "Rocky" became the highest-grossing film of 1976, nabbed 10 Academy Award nominations, and ultimately won three Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. This Cinderella story not only cemented Stallone's place in Hollywood but also spawned five sequels and the incredibly successful "Creed" spinoff series, with the entire franchise collectively grossing over $1.9 billion worldwide.

"It’s one of the best scripts I’ve ever read. The guy who wrote it, Peter Gamble, came out of the blue... Toby Emmerich gave it to me, he’s a producer on it, and he said, 'Hey, read this script. I think it’s special.' It’s about the making of Rocky, and there’s a lot that I didn’t know. Stallone was homeless when he wrote that script, he was living in Penn Station, and he was doing softcore prn. He was broke. He had to sell his dog."

– Peter Farrelly, Director of 'I Play Rocky'

A Knockout Ensemble Cast for 'I Play Rocky'

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Director Peter Farrelly, known for his Oscar-winning work on "Green Book," is at the helm of this exciting project, working from a script penned by Peter Gamble. Beyond Ippolito, the film boasts a fantastic cast bringing other key figures from Stallone's early career to life:

Stephan James as Carl Weathers (who played Apollo Creed in "Rocky")
AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack (Stallone's first wife)
Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr. (Sylvester Stallone's father)
P.J. Byrne as Irwin Winkler (producer of "Rocky")
Toby Kebbell as Robert Chartoff (producer of "Rocky")
Jay Duplass as John G. Avildsen (director of "Rocky")
Tracy Letts playing a composite of several Hollywood studio executives.

Filming is currently underway in various locations, including Keansburg and Elizabeth, New Jersey, promising an authentic backdrop for this compelling period piece.

What Sylvester Stallone Thinks About 'I Play Rocky' (Or Doesn't)

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While the film is all about his early life, Sylvester Stallone himself isn't actually involved in the making of "I Play Rocky." He's reportedly been "shocked to read about it" and mentioned he thought he "might be able to participate" and offer some insight, considering it's his own story.

However, that hasn't stopped him from sending good vibes to the team! Stallone shared a photo of Ippolito on Instagram with the caption, "Good luck to them — keep punching!!!" It's a supportive message that perfectly fits the spirit of "Rocky." For those eager to hear Stallone's own perspective on his journey, his memoir "The Steps" is set to be published in May, and the 2023 Netflix documentary "Sly" also covers his incredible career.

When Can We See This Ultimate Underdog Biopic?

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Currently, "I Play Rocky" doesn't have an official release date yet. However, Amazon MGM Studios is aiming for a theatrical release, with many speculating a 2026 debut to coincide with the original "Rocky's" 50th anniversary. That would be a truly fitting tribute to one of cinema's most inspiring stories.

So, get ready to follow the true story of heart, hustle, and an "unshakable belief" that turned a struggling actor into a global icon. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more updates, and you can bet we'll be sharing them here!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About 'I Play Rocky'

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What is "I Play Rocky" about? "I Play Rocky" is a biographical drama that tells the true story of how Sylvester Stallone, a struggling actor and writer, fought to get his screenplay for the film "Rocky" made, and insisted on starring as the lead character himself. Who is playing Sylvester Stallone in the movie? Anthony Ippolito, known for his role as a young Al Pacino in "The Offer" on Paramount+, is portraying a young Sylvester Stallone. When is "I Play Rocky" coming out? An official release date hasn't been announced yet, but Amazon MGM Studios plans a theatrical release. Many anticipate a 2026 debut to mark the 50th anniversary of the original "Rocky" film. Is Sylvester Stallone involved in the production of "I Play Rocky"? No, Sylvester Stallone is not officially involved in the making of "I Play Rocky." However, he has publicly wished the production team "good luck."