Your First Look: 'I Play Rocky' Unpacks Sylvester Stallone's Underdog Journey

Get ready for a knockout! The highly anticipated film 'I Play Rocky' is bringing the incredible true story behind the creation of the iconic 'Rocky' to the big screen, and we've got all the juicy details.

TL;DR

• Anthony Ippolito is set to portray a young Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky,' a new Amazon MGM Studios film.
• The movie chronicles Stallone's relentless fight to not just write, but also star in, his groundbreaking film 'Rocky' from the late '60s to 1976.
• An all-star cast, including Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, Stephan James, and more, is already filming in New Jersey, with Peter Farrelly directing.

Stepping into the Ring: Meet Anthony Ippolito as Young Sylvester Stallone

Alright, film buffs, brace yourselves! We've been buzzing about 'I Play Rocky,' the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios biopic, and now we're getting our first real glimpses. Anthony Ippolito, who you might remember from his spot-on portrayal of Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series 'The Offer,' is stepping into some seriously big shoes: those of a young Sylvester Stallone.

Recent images from the New Jersey set show Ippolito, who is in his mid-twenties (sources cite both 25 and 26), looking uncannily like the future "Italian Stallion." We're talking vintage 'Rocky' vibes: the gray cutoff sweats, that classic thermal top, and yes, the black Chuck Taylor high tops. He's even been spotted running on the beach with a bullmastiff who's playing Butkus, Stallone's real-life and on-screen canine companion from 'Rocky.'

The film is set to capture Stallone's journey from the late 1960s all the way up to 1976, the year 'Rocky' hit theaters. On set in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Ippolito was seen sporting a leather jacket and bell bottoms, perfectly setting the retro scene. The Ritz Theatre in Elizabeth even had "The Long Goodbye," a 1973 Robert Altman film, on its marquee, further immersing us in the period. It's clear that the production team is nailing the look and feel of that transformative era.

Unveiling the Ultimate Underdog Story Behind the Original 'Rocky'

So, what exactly is 'I Play Rocky' all about? It's the electrifying true story that happened before Rocky Balboa even stepped into the ring. This Amazon MGM film dives deep into Sylvester Stallone's incredible fight to make 'Rocky' a reality. Picture this: a struggling actor, with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment, writes a brilliant script that a major studio desperately wants to buy. But there's a catch – he refuses to sell it unless he gets to play the lead role himself.

Stallone, as the story goes, turned down life-changing money, opting instead to work for pennies to ensure he could star in the film he wrote. It was a massive gamble on himself, and boy, did it pay off! 'Rocky' went on to become the biggest box office hit of 1976, racked up 10 Oscar nominations, and ultimately won Best Picture. It's the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie, and 'I Play Rocky' promises to show us every gritty detail of that unwavering belief.

The Star-Studded Cast and Visionary Team Bringing This Biopic to Life

This isn't just a passion project; it's got serious Hollywood muscle behind it. Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly, known for his incredible work on 'Green Book,' is directing 'I Play Rocky.' The script, penned by Peter Gamble ('Office Uprising'), is designed to capture the raw ambition and determination of young Stallone. Producing the film are Toby Emmerich and Christian Baha, with FilmNation Entertainment handling production services and international sales.

And the cast? It's shaping up to be a real heavy-hitter lineup!

Key Cast Members Already Announced for 'I Play Rocky'

• Anthony Ippolito as young Sylvester Stallone
• Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Sly's complicated father
• AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack, Stallone's first wife
• Stephan James as Carl Weathers, who portrayed Apollo Creed in 'Rocky'
• Kiki Seto as Talia Shire, the actress who played Adrian Balboa
• Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith, who brought Mickey Goldmill to life
• PJ Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler
• Toby Kebbell as producer Robert Chartoff
• Tracy Letts as a composite studio executive
• Jay Duplass as 'Rocky' director John Avildsen
• Saul Stein as Sal, an NYC Union rep
• Trevor St. John as Grant Bader, a composite Hollywood boxing coordinator

With such a talented ensemble and acclaimed director, the film is poised to deliver a powerful and authentic portrayal of this legendary journey.

The Stallone Family's Take on 'I Play Rocky' and Its Authentic Depiction

While Sylvester Stallone himself isn't directly involved in the production of 'I Play Rocky,' he's definitely cheering it on! He shared an encouraging message on Instagram, showing his support for the team:

"The movie ‘I play Rocky’ started filming Friday… Good luck to them - keep punching!!!"

— Sylvester Stallone on Instagram

However, not everyone from the Stallone family has been in the loop. Frank Stallone, Sylvester's real-life brother and his father's namesake, expressed some surprise and curiosity about the film, particularly regarding the portrayal of their father, Frank Stallone Sr., by Matt Dillon.

"It’s interesting- I’m my father’s namesake, I was there from the beginning. I want to see how they portray my father without knowing anything about him other than what people have written. I like Matt (Dillon)- he’s a good actor and a good guy. Is someone playing my mother? Is someone playing me? I’ll make my judgment when I see the film, and I’ll have plenty to say!"

— Frank Stallone to Los Angeles Magazine

Frank also noted that no one from the production contacted him, leaving him keen to see how his family's legacy and dynamics are depicted. This adds an interesting layer to the film's narrative, promising a look at the personal struggles and relationships that shaped Stallone's early career.

The Enduring Legacy of 'Rocky' and Its Impact on Film History

'Rocky' isn't just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon. The 1976 classic, directed by John Avildsen, didn't just win the Oscar for Best Picture, Director, and Film Editing; it grossed a staggering $225 million worldwide and launched one of the most beloved and financially successful sports film franchises of all time. Stallone himself earned nominations for Best Actor and Original Screenplay, cementing his status as a Hollywood legend.

The franchise continued with several sequels ('Rocky II' through 'Rocky Balboa') and then expanded with the hugely successful 'Creed' spinoffs starring Michael B. Jordan. Together, the entire 'Rocky' and 'Creed' universe has grossed over $1.7 billion globally. The story of 'I Play Rocky' goes right back to the very beginning, to the moment a struggling writer and actor decided to bet everything on himself, ultimately creating a character and a story that resonated with millions across generations.

When Can We Expect to See 'I Play Rocky' on the Big Screen?

While production is well underway in New Jersey, with filming having started in mid-October, Amazon MGM Studios hasn't yet announced an official release date for 'I Play Rocky.' We do know, however, that the film is slated for a theatrical release, which is fantastic news for anyone who loves experiencing powerful stories on the big screen.

Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and in the meantime, if you're a die-hard Stallone fan, you can also look forward to his memoir, "The Steps," which is set to be published in May.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'I Play Rocky' Who is playing Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky'? Anthony Ippolito, known for playing Al Pacino in 'The Offer,' is portraying a young Sylvester Stallone. What is 'I Play Rocky' about? The film tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone's journey to write and star in the iconic 1976 film 'Rocky,' and his refusal to sell the script unless he could play the lead role. Who is directing 'I Play Rocky'? Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly, director of 'Green Book,' is at the helm. When will 'I Play Rocky' be released? Amazon MGM Studios has not yet announced a specific release date, but it is planned for a theatrical release.

Sources:

• NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
• Deadline
• TheWrap
• New York Post
• Los Angeles Magazine
• GeekTyrant
• Variety
• FandomWire
• JoBlo
• Moviefone
• Amazon MGM Studios (via Instagram)
• Sylvester Stallone (via Instagram)