‘I Play Rocky’ Achieves Surprising Score on Rotten Tomatoes Before Theatrical Release

Laura Bais
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Biopics centered around the creation of beloved films can be quite challenging. Viewers already know the outcome, so the real test lies in making the journey as captivating as the destination, especially when the subject is as legendary as ‘Rocky.’

This is the task at hand for Peter Farrelly’s ‘I Play Rocky,’ which narrates the true story of a struggling, relatively unknown actor named Sylvester Stallone. He refused to sell his script unless he could star in it himself. Faced with rejection at nearly every turn, Stallone chose to risk everything rather than accept a life-changing offer to walk away from the lead role.

Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film has been reviewed by critics, and the initial feedback is more mixed than fans of the underdog narrative might have anticipated. ‘I Play Rocky’ currently holds a 64% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on its first 10 reviews, a modest beginning for a film that was expected to be a serious contender for awards.

Anthony Ippolito takes on the role of the young Stallone, marking his second significant “making of” performance after portraying Al Pacino in Paramount+’s limited series ‘The Offer.’ He is joined by Stephan James as Carl Weathers, AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone’s first wife Sasha Czack, and Matt Dillon as Stallone’s father, Frank Stallone Sr.

Screenshot 2026 09 13 at 18 37 27 I Play Rocky Rotten Tomatoes

The supporting cast enhances the film’s behind-the-scenes depiction of ‘Rocky’s’ 1976 production, featuring P.J. Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler, Toby Kebbell as producer Robert Chartoff, and Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen. Tracy Letts also appears in the film, which follows Stallone as he writes a script that the studio wants to purchase outright, only for him to insist on playing the lead despite his paralyzed face and speech impediment, which made him an unconventional choice for a leading man.

Farrelly, an Academy Award winner for ‘Green Book,’ introduced the film’s trailer at CinemaCon, describing it as a story for anyone who has ever been naive and stubborn enough to pursue their dreams. This sentiment resonates with a film that revolves around the idea of betting on oneself against overwhelming odds, even if critics have shown mixed feelings about how effectively that message is conveyed on screen.

Running two hours and eight minutes and rated PG-13, ‘I Play Rocky’ is set to hit theaters as part of Amazon MGM Studios’ fall release lineup, typically reserved for films expected to generate awards buzz. The film’s test screenings reportedly performed well prior to its festival debut, making its modest Rotten Tomatoes score somewhat surprising for industry observers monitoring its rollout.

Interestingly, Stallone’s name is absent from the film’s official marketing materials, raising speculation about unresolved rights issues related to his life story. The actor has reportedly chosen not to publicly criticize the project, preferring to reserve judgment until he has seen the completed film himself.

With only 10 reviews currently contributing to its Rotten Tomatoes score, this figure is likely to change significantly as more critics share their thoughts before the film’s wide theatrical release. Whether ‘I Play Rocky’ manages to move into fresh territory or remains stuck in the 60s will reveal a lot about how audiences react to yet another Hollywood film about the making of a Hollywood film.

For now, the underdog story that inspired one of cinema’s most cherished franchises is facing its own uphill battle for critical agreement.

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