Attendees at the London Film Festival were recently treated to the unannounced reveal of I Play Rocky, a biographical drama chronicling the arduous journey of Sylvester Stallone to bring the original Rocky to the big screen. The film, directed by Peter Farrelly, held its surprise screening at the Royal Festival Hall, providing a first look at the meta-narrative surrounding one of Hollywood’s most iconic underdog stories.
The film focuses on the pivotal period in the mid-1970s when Stallone, then a struggling actor with a few cents to his name, famously refused to sell his screenplay for Rocky unless he was cast in the lead role. Amazon MGM Studios is handling the global distribution for the project, which explores the high-stakes negotiations and personal sacrifices that defined the birth of the franchise.
The Search for Stallone
A central talking point of the screening was the performance of newcomer Anthony Ippolito, who portrays the young Sylvester Stallone. Director Peter Farrelly shared an unconventional casting anecdote during the event, noting that Ippolito secured the role through a self-tape filmed in his grandmother’s basement on Long Island. This grassroots audition reportedly halted a planned global search for the lead actor before it could even begin.
Farrelly offered high praise for the actor’s transformation, suggesting his performance is a standout element of the production. While depicting such a recognizable figure carries significant pressure, the production has reportedly received a seal of approval from the source himself; Farrelly stated that Stallone has seen the finished film and expressed his support for the portrayal.
The production features a robust supporting cast playing the real-life figures who shaped the 1976 classic. The lineup includes AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone’s first wife Sasha Czack, P.J. Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler, Toby Kebbell as producer Robert Chartoff, and Tracy Letts as Sandy Maddox. The film also features portrayals of key figures like Carl Weathers, Talia Shire, and original Rocky director John G. Avildsen.
Release Schedule and 50th Anniversary
The timing of the film’s upcoming release is strategically aligned with the legacy of the franchise. I Play Rocky is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 6, 2026, followed by a United Kingdom release on November 13, 2026. This window places the film’s arrival alongside the 50th anniversary of the original 1976 movie, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
As the first major look at Anthony Ippolito as Stallone, the surprise screening served to gauge audience reactions ahead of a lengthy promotional cycle. Farrelly, who previously found major awards success with Green Book, appears to be leaning into a crowd-pleasing narrative that mirrors the triumphant spirit of the film Stallone fought so hard to make.
