First Look Photos Reveal Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’
Biopics that explore the creation of iconic films have gained popularity in recent years, offering audiences an insider’s view of the movies that have shaped pop culture. Few underdog stories are as fitting for this treatment as the making of ‘Rocky,’ a film entirely centered on the notion that perseverance triumphs over rejection.
That’s precisely the ground ‘I Play Rocky’ is covering, dramatizing Sylvester Stallone’s real-life struggle to write, produce, and star in his own screenplay despite being rejected by studios that wanted someone else for the role. Directed by Peter Farrelly, the film has been generating buzz since Anthony Ippolito was cast as a young Stallone, largely due to his striking resemblance to the actor.
New images have emerged showcasing Ippolito alongside co-star Stephan James, who portrays Carl Weathers, fully transformed for their roles. These photos provide fans with their clearest glimpse yet at how closely the film’s leads resemble the real Stallone and Weathers during the making of the 1976 classic.
‘I Play Rocky’ focuses on Stallone’s determination to retain his role as Rocky Balboa, refusing to sell his screenplay unless he could star in it himself. This demand put him at odds with producers who were willing to pay a significant sum for the rights alone. Stallone’s gamble, made while he was financially struggling and facing constant rejection from Hollywood, ultimately paid off, with ‘Rocky’ winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards and launching a billion-dollar franchise.
Ippolito’s journey to securing the role mirrors the underdog spirit of the story itself. Reports indicate that Ippolito sent producers an unsolicited audition tape after discovering the project was in development, and that tape was enough to convince the filmmakers he was the right choice.
The actor is no stranger to portraying real-life screen legends, having previously played a young Al Pacino in Paramount+’s limited series “The Offer.” His experience embodying iconic performers seems to have seamlessly transitioned into his portrayal of Stallone.
Alongside Ippolito and James, the film features AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack, Stallone’s first wife, and Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Stallone’s father. Toby Kebbell rounds out the cast as producer Robert Chartoff, with Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, and P.J. Byrne also appearing in supporting roles.
James, who plays the late Carl Weathers, brings his own layer of resemblance to the film, with early reactions to previous first-look images praising how closely he captures Weathers’ essence on screen. Weathers originated the role of Apollo Creed in the original ‘Rocky’ and became one of the franchise’s most enduring figures across multiple sequels.
Peter Farrelly, an Oscar winner for ‘Green Book,’ directs ‘I Play Rocky’ from a screenplay by Peter Gamble, with production handled by Fireside Films and Baha Productions. Principal photography took place across New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, reflecting the real-world hustle that characterized the original film’s scrappy production.
Amazon MGM Studios is set to release ‘I Play Rocky’ in limited theaters on November 13, nearly 50 years to the day after the original ‘Rocky’ first premiered in 1976. With the film’s striking first-look photos already stirring excitement online, anticipation is building for a full trailer and more details ahead of its release.
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