Get Your First Look: Anthony Ippolito Channels Young Stallone in 'I Play Rocky'

We've got the first official look at Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone in the upcoming biopic I Play Rocky, and trust us, he's got that classic underdog spirit!

TL;DR: The Main Event Details You Need to Know

• Anthony Ippolito, known for playing Al Pacino in The Offer, is uncanny as a young Sylvester Stallone in the first official images from I Play Rocky.
• The film, directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book), tells the true story of Stallone's relentless fight to not only write but also star in his iconic film, Rocky.
• Principal photography has officially kicked off, with a star-studded cast including Matt Dillon, Stephan James, and AnnaSophia Robb bringing this inspiring Hollywood tale to life.

Anthony Ippolito is Hitting the Pavement as a Young Sylvester Stallone

If you're a fan of underdog stories, you're going to love this! Amazon MGM Studios just dropped the first official images from I Play Rocky, the highly anticipated biopic that dives deep into the incredible, true-life journey of Sylvester Stallone and how he brought his legendary film, Rocky, to the big screen. And guess what? Actor Anthony Ippolito is absolutely nailing the look of a young Stallone.

In one particularly awesome new shot, we see Ippolito jogging alongside a big Bull Mastiff – yup, that's Butkus, Rocky Balboa's famous canine companion from the 1976 classic! He’s decked out in gray sweats, a black toque, and those iconic black Converse All-Star training sneakers, perfectly channeling the vibe of Stallone's early days. You might remember Ippolito from his spot-on portrayal of a young Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series The Offer, so he’s no stranger to embodying Hollywood legends. Clearly, he's got a knack for it!

The Ultimate Underdog Story Behind the Ultimate Underdog Movie

The core of I Play Rocky isn't just about making a movie; it's about one man's unwavering belief in himself. As the official caption from Amazon MGM Studios puts it, "The film tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone and his unshakable belief that he wasn't just meant to write Rocky, he was meant to be Rocky Balboa."

Before he was a global action icon, Stallone was a struggling 29-year-old actor facing endless "no's." He famously wrote the script for Rocky in just three and a half days, but here’s the kicker: he refused to sell the rights unless he also got to play the lead role. Seriously, he turned down six-figure deals to stick to his guns! This fierce determination, even when broke and facing impossible odds, eventually led to Rocky being made for less than $1 million. The rest, as they say, is history: it became the biggest box office hit of 1976 and snagged the Best Picture Oscar.

Producer Christian Baha on the script: "When I first read Peter Gamble’s energetic and poignant script, I knew it captured something very special. The story of I Play Rocky is as unique as Sylvester Stallone himself, a seeming Everyman with an undeniable gift who needs to share it with the world and refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer."

Who Else is Stepping Into the Ring for This Biopic?

This movie isn't just about Stallone; it's about the people around him during that pivotal period. The cast is shaping up to be fantastic:

• Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone
• Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) as Carl Weathers (who played Apollo Creed)
• AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) as Sasha Czack, Stallone’s first wife
• Matt Dillon (Crash) as Frank Stallone Sr., Sly’s father
• PJ Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler
• Jay Duplass as Rocky director John G. Avildsen
• Toby Kebbell as producer Robert Chartoff
• Tracy Letts as Sandy Maddox, a composite character representing Hollywood studio executives

Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly, known for Green Book, is at the helm, directing from a script penned by Peter Gamble (Trenches, Office Uprising). Farrelly even raved about the script, calling it "one of the best scripts I’ve ever read."

Stallone's Reaction: From Shock to "Keep Punching!"

Sylvester Stallone himself has had a bit of a journey with this project. Back in September, he was quoted saying he was "shocked to read (about) it" and had "zero to do with it." He reportedly stated he was waiting for the finished product before judging. However, it seems his tune has changed since filming began!

More recently, as production officially kicked off, the 79-year-old actor shared an Instagram post alongside a photo of Ippolito running on a beach, sending his best wishes to the team: "The movie ‘I play Rocky’ [sic] started filming Friday. Good luck to them – keep punching!!!" While he isn't directly involved in the film's making, it's clear he's now throwing his support behind the project that tells his iconic story.

The Unofficial Audition That Landed the Punch

Speaking of commitment, Anthony Ippolito really took a page out of Stallone's own book to get this role. According to THR, he didn't just wait for an audition; he made an unsolicited audition tape on his own and sent it directly to the producers of I Play Rocky. That kind of can-do spirit and hunger to break into the business mirrors Stallone's own relentless drive to star in his script.

It's this meta-narrative of determination that makes I Play Rocky such a compelling story. It's not just a movie about making a movie; it's a testament to belief, perseverance, and fighting for your dreams – just like Rocky Balboa himself.

When Can We Expect to See This Underdog Tale?

While production is officially underway with Amazon MGM Studios, there's no official release date for I Play Rocky just yet. However, some reports suggest a potential 2026 release, which would be incredibly fitting as it marks the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as any concrete dates are announced!

Frequently Asked Questions About 'I Play Rocky' When is I Play Rocky set to be released? As of now, there is no official release date. While some speculate a 2026 release to coincide with Rocky's 50th anniversary, Amazon MGM Studios has not confirmed it. Where can I watch I Play Rocky? The film is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios and is currently aiming for a theatrical release. We'll update you on streaming availability closer to its release. Is Sylvester Stallone involved in the production of I Play Rocky? No, Sylvester Stallone is not directly involved in the making of the film. He initially expressed surprise about the project but has since publicly wished the cast and crew good luck. What is I Play Rocky rated and what is its runtime? The film's rating and official runtime have not yet been announced. Sources

• Amazon MGM Studios Instagram
• JoBlo.com (referenced as "Movie News Anthony Ippolito goes for a run with Butkus...")
• Variety Film + TV (referenced as "I Play Rocky First Look: Anthony Ippolito Is Sylvester Stallone...")
• ScreenRant (referenced as "I Play Rocky First-Look Photo Teases Anthony Ippolito As Sylvester Stallone...")
• Moviefone (referenced as "Matt Dillon and Stephan James the Latest to Join Cast of ‘I Play Rocky’")
• NJ.com (referenced as "Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly on the New Jersey set...")
• MovieWeb (referenced as "Making Of Rocky Biopic Set Image Reveals First Look At Young Sylvester Stallone")
• The Playlist (referenced for Stallone's September quote)