Rocky remains one of cinema’s most celebrated underdog stories, turning Sylvester Stallone into a global star and launching a sports-film franchise that has earned approximately US$1.9 billion worldwide.
Released in 1976, the original film followed struggling Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa as he received an unlikely opportunity to fight heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
Rocky became the highest-grossing film of its year and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing. Stallone also received Oscar nominations for his performance and original screenplay.
Now, audiences will see the underdog story behind the underdog movie in the new biographical drama I Play Rocky.
The Story Behind an Iconic Film
Directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky follows a young and largely unknown Stallone as he attempts to bring his screenplay to the screen.
Although producers recognised the potential of the script, they wanted a more established actor to play Rocky Balboa.
Stallone refused to surrender the role, turning down the prospect of a potentially life-changing payment because he believed he was the only person who could play the character he had created.
The decision required him to gamble his career and financial future on himself, but it ultimately produced one of Hollywood’s most enduring films.
Anthony Ippolito Steps Into Stallone’s Shoes
Anthony Ippolito stars as the young Stallone, recreating the actor’s distinctive voice, physicality and determination.
Ippolito is already known for playing a young Al Pacino in the Paramount+ limited series The Offer, which dramatised the making of The Godfather. He has also appeared as George Wright in the Netflix drama Grand Army.
The actor landed the I Play Rocky role after submitting an unsolicited audition tape to producers as soon as he learnt about the project—a bold decision that mirrored Stallone’s own persistence.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to portray Sylvester Stallone in this inspiring story. It is an absolute dream come true,” Ippolito said when his casting was announced.
Fans Praise Ippolito’s Physical Transformation
The first trailer and promotional images have given audiences a closer look at Ippolito’s transformation.
Along with capturing Stallone’s mannerisms and instantly recognisable speaking voice, the actor underwent a significant physical transformation to recreate the muscular appearance associated with the Rocky star.
The images have quickly attracted attention online, with viewers praising Ippolito’s resemblance to Stallone and sharing enthusiastic reactions to his boxing physique.
The performance will introduce Ippolito to generations of fans who grew up with the Rocky and Creed films while also placing the actor at the centre of a story about ambition, rejection and refusing to abandon a creative vision.
I Play Rocky is set to open in cinemas later this year, marking almost 50 years since the original Rocky premiered.
