**New Film ‘I Play Rocky’ Explores the Making of the Iconic Boxing Movie**
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A new film titled *I Play Rocky* will provide audiences with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the legendary 1976 movie *Rocky*, which famously propelled Sylvester Stallone to fame. Scheduled for release in November, this film stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone and aims to reveal the struggles and determination that characterised the creation of the beloved boxing classic.
The trailer for *I Play Rocky* was unveiled on 15th July by Amazon MGM Studios, showcasing Ippolito in the role of a determined young actor striving to break into Hollywood. The story centres around Stallone’s unwavering belief in his vision, encapsulated in the handwritten script for the original *Rocky* film, which he was desperate to produce despite facing repeated rejections.
Directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, known for his work on *Green Book*, and written by Peter Gamble, the film dives deep into Stallone’s tumultuous journey. In interviews, Ippolito has noted that the story embodies the quintessential underdog narrative, mirroring the character of Rocky Balboa himself. The film’s official synopsis describes it as “an electrifying true story” of an aspiring actor who invests everything he has into a project that would ultimately change his life and the landscape of American cinema.
As excitement builds for the film’s release, it is interesting to note the involvement of other prominent actors. AnnaSophia Robb plays Sasha Czack, Stallone’s first wife, who he was married to during the 1970s and ‘80s. The couple shared two sons, including Sage Stallone, who tragically passed away in 2012. Meanwhile, Stephan James takes on the role of Carl Weathers, who portrayed the iconic character Apollo Creed in the *Rocky* franchise.
The film has also attracted a talented supporting cast, featuring Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., alongside actors such as Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, Kiki Seto, and P.J. Byrne. Together, they bring to life the rich tapestry of relationships and circumstances that influenced the making of *Rocky*.
The original *Rocky* film stands as a monumental achievement in cinematic history, having garnered multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing in 1977. Stallone himself received nominations for both his performance and for the film’s screenplay, marking a significant turning point in his career after nearly a decade of struggles in the industry.
Following the success of *Rocky*, Stallone went on to build one of the most enduring franchises in film history, producing six main *Rocky* movies, with additional spinoffs featuring the character Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan in the *Creed* series that continued from 2015 to 2023.
Interestingly, Anthony Ippolito is no stranger to portraying iconic figures from the past. He previously depicted Al Pacino in the 2022 miniseries *The Offer*, which focused on the making of *The Godfather*. His latest role as Stallone signifies yet another step in launching his own acting career.
In conjunction with the film’s release, Stallone is set to publish a memoir titled *The Steps*, which is expected on 29th September. This upcoming memoir may offer fans additional insights into his life and the decades-long journey that led to the creation of *Rocky*.
As anticipation grows for *I Play Rocky*, it promises to be a compelling tribute to the resilience of an artist who fought against the odds to tell a story that has inspired generations. With its talented cast and experienced director, viewers can look forward to this exploration of creativity and determination in the face of adversity. The film’s theatrical release in November is already generating considerable buzz among fans of classic cinema.