Director Peter Farrelly has revealed that Sylvester Stallone’s involvement in the upcoming biographical drama I Play Rocky was defined by a singular, specific mandate regarding who should portray him. When Farrelly sought the veteran actor’s blessing for the project, Stallone’s primary request was that the production hire a “relative unknown” for the lead role.
The decision to cast Anthony Ippolito as the young Stallone was a direct result of this request. Stallone reportedly insisted on an unknown actor to mirror his own status in 1976, when he fought to star in the original Rocky despite being a largely unrecognized figure in Hollywood at the time.
Farrelly shared during a recent promotional interview that the search for the lead was surprisingly short. Anthony Ippolito was the first actor Farrelly considered after viewing a self-tape audition that Ippolito had recorded in his grandmother’s basement. According to Farrelly, the search effectively ended the moment he saw the tape, as the performance convinced him that Ippolito could capture the essence of Stallone’s early struggle.
Stallone’s Reaction and Involvement
While Stallone did not take an active day-to-day role in the production, Farrelly confirmed that the actor has seen the film and “loved” the portrayal. Stallone further signaled his support on November 1, 2026, through an Instagram post wishing the production luck and telling the team to “keep punching” as the film nears its theatrical debut.
The film focuses specifically on the production of the 1976 classic Rocky and Stallone’s personal battle to ensure he was cast in the title role of the script he wrote. Early development rumors in 2024 had suggested Toby Wallace was being considered for the part, but Farrelly’s confirmation of Ippolito’s “first and only” audition process clarifies how the final casting was settled.
In a discussion with Soap Central, Farrelly explained that Ippolito’s performance goes beyond a mere impression, aiming to embody the specific hunger and desperation Stallone felt during the mid-70s.
Release Schedule and Reception
I Play Rocky has already generated significant momentum following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it received a standing ovation and was named runner-up for the People’s Choice Award. The film’s arrival is timed to coincide with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the original Rocky, which debuted on November 21, 1976.
Amazon MGM Studios has scheduled a limited theatrical release for the film on November 6, 2026. This will be followed by a nationwide expansion on November 20, 2026, positioning the biographical drama for a major push during the fall awards season.
