Anthony Ippolito Transforms Into Sylvester Stallone in I Play Rocky Trailer

The first trailer for I Play Rocky has arrived, giving audiences their first look at Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone. The biographical drama tells the story behind the making of Rocky, focusing on the challenges Stallone faced before the film became a global hit. Directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, the film is set for a theatrical release later this year through Amazon MGM Studios.

Instead of retelling the plot of Rocky, the film focuses on the years before the boxing drama reached cinemas. At the centre of the story is Stallone’s determination to keep control of the screenplay he wrote while insisting on playing the lead role himself. Despite financial struggles and repeated rejection from studios that wanted a more established actor, Stallone refused to sell the script unless he was cast as Rocky Balboa. That decision launched his career.

Credit: Claire Folger/Amazon MGM Studios

One of the trailer’s most noticeable moments is Ippolito’s transformation into the young Stallone. His appearance, voice and mannerisms closely mirror the actor during the mid-1970s. The footage suggests Ippolito studied Stallone’s speech and body language to create a convincing portrayal. Entertainment publications have noted how closely he resembles Stallone in the role.

Credit: Claire Folger/Amazon MGM Studios

The film also recreates the people who helped shape the original Rocky. AnnaSophia Robb stars as Stallone’s first wife, Sasha Czack, while Stephan James takes on the role of Carl Weathers, the actor who played Apollo Creed. Matt Dillon appears as Frank Stallone Sr., with Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, P.J. Byrne and Toby Kebbell rounding out the supporting cast.

The film offers a closer look at the story behind Rocky. Before the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and launched a long-running franchise, Stallone was an unknown actor trying to convince Hollywood to take a chance on him. The trailer highlights those early setbacks, including the negotiations and obstacles he faced before securing his breakthrough.

Credit: Claire Folger/Amazon MGM Studios

The project also marks another significant role for Ippolito. The actor previously portrayed a young Al Pacino in The Offer, and I Play Rocky marks his first leading role in a major studio film.

With Peter Farrelly directing, I Play Rocky tells the story behind one of cinema’s most influential sports dramas and the determination that brought it to the screen.