The first teaser for I Play Rocky was unveiled by Amazon MGM at the CinemaCon, offering a glimpse into the gripping real-life story behind the creation of the 1976 classic, *Rocky*. This drama delves into the tumultuous journey of bringing Sylvester Stallone’s screenplay to the big screen, highlighting his unwavering determination to play the titular role himself.
Film Highlights Stallone’s Challenging Beginnings
Anthony Ippolito, recognized for his role in *The Offer*, takes center stage as the young Sylvester Stallone. His portrayal has been lauded for capturing the actor’s iconic voice and mannerisms with precision. The narrative focuses on a time before Stallone rose to fame, when he was a struggling actor facing financial hardship, partial facial paralysis, and a speech impediment. Despite pressure to sell his script without starring in the film, Stallone refused any deal that would prevent him from embodying Rocky Balboa.
The Unyielding Spirit of Stallone
According to the official synopsis, I Play Rocky will showcase Stallone’s “unshakable belief that he was not only meant to write *Rocky*, but to be Rocky Balboa.” The film is set to premiere in November and has already ignited buzz as a potential awards contender.
The Journey Behind Rocky’s Success
I Play Rocky will explore the hurdles Stallone overcame to bring the original film to life—a film that earned ten Oscar nominations and won three, including Best Picture. The screenplay was penned in just three and a half days but faced studio resistance due to Stallone’s insistence on playing the lead role despite being an unknown actor at the time.
- Anthony Ippolito stars as the young Stallone.
- Stephan James plays the young Carl Weathers.
- AnnaSophia Robb portrays Sasha Czack, Stallone’s ex-wife.
- Matt Dillon takes on the role of Stallone’s father.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, known for *Green Book*, the film promises to shed light on the struggles and triumphs that led to a billion-dollar franchise, including four sequels and the *Creed* spin-offs. Stallone’s performance in *Rocky* earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 1977 and another for Best Supporting Actor for *Creed* in 2016.
Stallone’s Reaction to the New Film
In a recent interview with *The Playlist*, Stallone expressed surprise about the new project, admitting, “I was shocked to read about the film. I have nothing to do with it. I wish I had been consulted, as I lived through it all and could have contributed some details.” Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, I Play Rocky is set to hit theaters on November 20. As anticipation builds, fans are eagerly awaiting to see the story that highlights the origins of an iconic cinematic legend.
