“Before Rocky Balboa became cinema’s greatest underdog, Sylvester Stallone had to live the story himself.”
I Play Rocky tells the remarkable story behind one of the most famous films ever made: how a virtually unknown, struggling actor called Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky, refused to sell it unless he could play the leading role himself, and bet everything on the belief that he was the only man who could be Rocky Balboa.
Anthony Ippolito stars as the young Stallone, an actor accustomed to hearing the word “no” but absolutely convinced that this one script could change his life. Hollywood wants his story, but Stallone wants something more: the chance to star in it. What follows is an irresistible real-life underdog tale about ambition, determination and an extraordinary refusal to give up.
Directed by Peter Farrelly, the Oscar-winning director of Green Book, the film takes us behind the scenes of the making of the original Rocky, with Stephan James portraying Carl Weathers, Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen and Matt Dillon as Stallone’s father. AnnaSophia Robb, Toby Kebbell and P.J. Byrne also star.
Funny, nostalgic and uplifting, I Play Rocky is essentially the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.
Festival & Critical Response
I Play Rocky premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was nominated for the People’s Choice Award. Early critical reaction has been generally positive, with particular praise for Anthony Ippolito’s performance as Stallone.
And there’s something rather wonderful about the timing: the film arrives 50 years after the original Rocky first reached cinemas in 1976.
You certainly don’t need to be a boxing fan to enjoy this one. If you’ve ever rooted for someone who was told their dream was impossible, this is their story.
Director: Peter Farrelly
Cast: Anthony Ippolito
Film Length: 128mins
Format: 2D
Cert: 12A
Screenings