'I Play Rocky' first look shows Anthony Ippolito's transformation into Sylvester Stallone

Anthony Ippolito steps into the role of Sylvester Stallone in the first look at 'I Play Rocky'

Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the first look at I Play Rocky, a new biographical drama chronicling the making of the 1976 classic Rocky and Sylvester Stallone's determined fight to star in the film he wrote.

The newly released footage introduces Anthony Ippolito as Stallone, showcasing his transformation into the Hollywood icon. The film follows Stallone's journey as an unknown actor who refused to sell his screenplay unless he was cast as the lead, despite repeated pressure from studios to choose an established star.

According to the official synopsis, I Play Rocky tells "the true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn't just meant to write Rocky, he was meant to be Rocky Balboa." The film explores how Stallone bet everything on himself, ultimately helping create one of cinema's most enduring underdog stories.

His whole life was a million-to-one shot. I Play Rocky, based on the incredible true story, starring Anthony Ippolito - only in theaters this November. pic.twitter.com/ZuuPeLnfNm

— I Play Rocky (@iplayrockymovie) July 15, 2026

The cast also includes Stephan James as Carl Weathers, Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., and AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone's first wife, Sasha Czack. The first-look footage is accompanied by the iconic Rocky theme, offering a glimpse into the people behind the Oscar-winning sports drama.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, whose Green Book won the Academy Award for Best Picture, I Play Rocky is scheduled to hit theaters on November 6, 2026, positioning it as a potential contender during the 2027 awards season.

The project previously made headlines after Stallone said in 2025 that he was "shocked" to learn about the film and claimed he had "zero to do with" it. Farrelly later disputed that characterization, saying he personally met with Stallone, shared the script, and received his approval before moving forward with the project.