A new biographical film titled *I Play Rocky* is set to hit select UK cinemas on November 6, moving to wider distribution on November 20. The film chronicles the remarkable journey of Sylvester Stallone as he endeavours to write and star in his iconic 1976 film, *Rocky*. This exploration into Stallone’s early career showcases the struggles he faced, ultimately leading to one of the most celebrated roles in cinematic history.
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Anthony Ippolito, who plays a young Stallone, recently shared insights into his preparation and experience at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, where *I Play Rocky* had its world premiere. In an interview with *People* magazine, Ippolito disclosed that Stallone, now 80, has already viewed the film alongside his wife, Jennifer Flavin. The actor expressed his relief and gratitude at their positive reaction to the portrayal.
“I spoke with him about it afterwards,” said Ippolito. “He’s seen it with his wife, and they’re really big fans of it, and they were super incredible about it.” This affirmation from Stallone, a figure Ippolito approached with both admiration and nervousness, was a significant moment for the young actor. He explained how he had prepared intensively before their conversation, dedicating himself to understanding Stallone’s unique persona.
Ippolito went on to reflect on his preparation process, stating that he had trained physically for approximately 18 months to convincingly embody the role of the young action star. On learning he would play Stallone, he began rigorous training, initially on his own. He recounted, “Once I found out that I was going to do it, they had planned a certain date that was about six months away.” However, due to a postponed filming schedule, he was granted additional time to refine his physicality for the role, which he considered beneficial.
In *I Play Rocky*, the narrative specifically highlights Stallone’s tenacity in demanding he star as the titular character, a pivotal move that ultimately defined his career. The film not only delves into Stallone’s professional struggles but also presents an intimate look at his personal life. AnnaSophia Robb joins the cast in the role of Sasha Czack, Stallone’s first wife, while Stephan James portrays Carl Weathers, who famously starred as Apollo Creed.
As part of his training, Ippolito faced the demanding challenge of exercising and dieting consistently to replicate Stallone’s physique at the time. “Managing the day in, day out part of training was my most difficult challenge,” he admitted, emphasizing the dedication required for the role. With the assistance of producers who connected him with experienced trainers in the final months of preparation, Ippolito was able to maintain a rigorous schedule towards the end of his preparation.
The film’s cast is complemented by appearances from notable actors such as Toby Kebbell, P.J. Byrne, Jay Duplass, Kiki Seto, and Tracy Letts. With such a talented ensemble, *I Play Rocky* promises to offer an engaging portrayal of one of Hollywood’s most significant cultural icons and his rise to stardom.
Ippolito’s reflections on the journey not only reveal the physical transformations necessary for the role but also the emotional and psychological investment in capturing Stallone’s essence. He expressed that the intense period of preparation has become a cherished chapter of his life.
As audiences in the UK anticipate the release of *I Play Rocky*, they will gain insight into the determination and creativity that fuelled Stallone’s early career. The film is poised to resonate not only with fans of the original *Rocky* saga but also with those interested in the intricate story behind one of cinema’s most beloved characters. With its premiere just around the corner, the excitement surrounding this film continues to build.