"Yo, Adrian!" 'I Play Rocky' Unveils Its Impressive Full Cast

Get ready to go behind the scenes of a true Hollywood underdog story! The upcoming film I Play Rocky has rounded out its star-studded cast, bringing to life the real-life drama behind Sylvester Stallone's iconic movie.

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the 'I Play Rocky' Buzz

• Anthony Ippolito leads the charge as a young Sylvester Stallone in the Amazon MGM Studios biopic.
• New cast members Kiki Seto and Robert Morgan will portray Adrian Balboa (Talia Shire) and Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith), respectively, joining a talented ensemble.
• Directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly, the film chronicles Stallone's epic, against-the-odds fight to not just write, but also star in the original Rocky.

Stepping into the Ring: Unpacking the Incredible 'I Play Rocky' Cast

We've all heard the legend: a struggling actor writes a knockout script and refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead. That's the electrifying true story behind Rocky, and now, I Play Rocky is bringing it to the big screen. The film, from Amazon MGM Studios, is deep into production, and the cast list keeps getting more exciting!

Leading the pack is Anthony Ippolito, stepping into the shoes of a young Sylvester Stallone. If he looks familiar, it's probably because he's got a knack for playing Hollywood legends – he previously portrayed Al Pacino in the Paramount+ limited series, The Offer, which was all about the making of another 70s classic, The Godfather. Talk about range! Born in 1999 and standing 5'10", Ippolito reportedly landed this role with an unsolicited audition tape he sent directly to the producers. That kind of can-do spirit definitely echoes Stallone's own hustle!

The latest casting news fills two pivotal roles, bringing even more heart to this unfolding drama. Kiki Seto has been tapped to play Talia Shire, who famously embodied Adrian Balboa, Rocky's shy-but-strong love interest. Seto, an L.A. native who recently appeared in Apple TV+'s The Studio with Seth Rogen, is sure to capture Adrian's quiet strength.

And who could forget Mickey Goldmill, Rocky's gruff, beloved trainer? That role goes to Robert Morgan, who will portray Burgess Meredith. Morgan's got some serious credits under his belt, including Hacksaw Ridge, The Accountant 2, Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Netflix's The OA. We can already hear him yelling, "Get up, you son of a b!"

A Look at the Expanded Ensemble Bringing This Hollywood Saga to Life

But the cast list doesn't stop there! I Play Rocky is stacked with talent ready to tell this incredible story. Here’s a rundown of who else you'll see:

• Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk) as Carl Weathers, who played the charismatic Apollo Creed.
• AnnaSophia Robb (Rebel Ridge) as Sasha Czack, Sylvester Stallone’s first wife.
• Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Sly's complicated and often harsh father. (More on his real-life brother's reaction later!)
• PJ Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler.
• Toby Kebbell as producer Robert Chartoff.
• Jay Duplass as Rocky director John Avildsen.
• Tracy Letts taking on a composite role as various studio executives.
• Scot Teller portraying Burt Young, the original Paulie.
• Saul Stein as Sal, an NYC Union rep. Stein is known for films like Laws of Gravity and TV series such as Chicago P.D. and The Deuce.
• Trevor St. John as Grant Bader, a composite Hollywood boxing coordinator. St. John, a talented musician and actor, recently wrote, directed, and starred in the film A Good Enough Day.

With this impressive lineup, it feels like every piece of the Rocky puzzle is coming together perfectly!

The Unshakeable Belief: The Real Underdog Story Behind the Movie

The core of I Play Rocky is the incredible true story of a young Sylvester Stallone, a virtual unknown with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment, who wrote a screenplay that Hollywood wanted – but without him in the lead. Imagine being offered life-changing money for your script, only to turn it down because you knew, deep down, you were the only one who could play that character.

Stallone famously refused to sell the rights unless he got to star as Rocky Balboa, ultimately getting the film made for under $1 million. It's the ultimate "betting on yourself" story, and it paid off big time, turning into the biggest box office hit of 1976 and snagging a Best Picture Oscar. As producer Christian Baha eloquently put it:

"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."

— Christian Baha, Producer of I Play Rocky

Sylvester Stallone and Family: Their Candid Reactions to the Biopic

So, what does the man himself think of a movie being made about him? Initially, reports suggested Stallone hadn't given his blessing, but also hadn't criticized the production, opting to wait for the finished product. However, he recently took to Instagram to send his "best wishes" and a "keep punching!!!" message to the team, even sharing a photo of Anthony Ippolito running on a beach as young Sly. While he also stated he has "no involvement" in the film, it seems the legendary actor is at least giving a nod of approval to the effort.

Meanwhile, his real-life brother, Frank Stallone, whose father (Frank Stallone Sr.) is portrayed by Matt Dillon in the film, offered a more cautious response. Frank mentioned that no one from the production contacted him, leaving him curious about how his father – and perhaps even himself – will be depicted. "I want to see how they portray my father without knowing anything about him other than what people have written," he told Los Angeles Magazine. He added, "I'll make my judgment when I see the film, and I'll have plenty to say!" We'll definitely be looking forward to that!

Behind the Camera: The Visionary Team Bringing 'I Play Rocky' to Life

Guiding this incredible story is director Peter Farrelly, an Oscar winner known for his poignant true-story film Green Book. His touch promises a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of Stallone's journey. The script comes from the pen of Peter Gamble, known for his work on films like Trenches and Office Uprising. Producers Christian Baha and Toby Emmerich are also on board, with FilmNation Entertainment handling production services and international sales.

Filming is currently underway, with set photos already circulating that show Ippolito's uncanny resemblance to a young Stallone, complete with era-accurate fashion and even Stallone's famous bullmastiff, Butkus. Production has been spotted in various locations across New Jersey, including the Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth and Keansburg, giving fans glimpses into the movie's dedication to capturing the look and feel of the late 60s and early 70s.

The Enduring Punch: Why the 'Rocky' Legacy Still Matters Today

Beyond the biopic, the original Rocky film continues to be a cinematic powerhouse. The 1976 classic not only grossed an astounding $225 million worldwide but also took home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. Sylvester Stallone himself earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in 1977 and another Best Supporting Actor nod for the first Creed film in 2016.

The franchise has spawned nine films, including the incredibly successful Creed spinoff series starring Michael B. Jordan, which has collectively raked in over $664 million worldwide. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of an underdog story, a message of perseverance that resonates with audiences across generations. I Play Rocky isn't just about the making of a movie; it's about the making of a legend, and the spirit that can move mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'I Play Rocky'

What is I Play Rocky about? It's a biopic that tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone's struggle to write and star in the iconic 1976 film Rocky, showcasing his unwavering belief in himself against all odds. Who is playing Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky? Anthony Ippolito, who previously played a young Al Pacino in The Offer, is portraying a young Sylvester Stallone in the film. Has Sylvester Stallone endorsed I Play Rocky? While he initially stated no direct involvement, Stallone has publicly wished the production "good luck" and shared encouragement on social media, although his brother Frank Stallone has yet to be contacted by the team. When is I Play Rocky coming out? As of now, there is no official release date announced for I Play Rocky, but production is well underway, and it is expected to be released in theaters.

Sources:

• The Wrap: ‘I Play Rocky’ Casts Kiki Seto as Talia Shire and Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith | Exclusive
• Variety: ‘I Play Rocky’ First Look: Anthony Ippolito Is Sylvester Stallone in Movie About the Making of ‘Rocky’
• NJ.com: See new ‘I Play Rocky’ movie about Sylvester Stallone filming in N.J. with Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly
• Los Angeles Magazine: Frank Stallone Reacts to Sylvester Stallone Biopic Casting: “I’ll Have Plenty to Say”
• GeekTyrant: Matt Dillon Joins Peter Farrelly’s I PLAY ROCKY as Sylvester Stallone’s Complicated Father
• MovieWeb: First Look at Young Sylvester Stallone in Amazon 'Rocky' Biopic Is a Knockout
• Remezcla: In I Play Rocky, This Actor Transforms Into Stallone (the first images are stunning)