The trailer for I Play Rocky, a new biographical film chronicling Sylvester Stallone's journey to create the iconic 1976 boxing movie Rocky, has captivated audiences, drawing over 5.5 million views on YouTube within a day of its release on July 15. The preview showcases actor Anthony Ippolito as Stallone, and fans have flooded the comments section with praise for his uncanny resemblance and vocal mimicry.
Plot and Production Details
The film depicts Stallone as a struggling actor in the mid-1970s, unable to secure auditions until his girlfriend encourages him to write a screenplay that puts him at the center. He completes the script for Rocky in three days, and a studio quickly picks it up—but insists on casting a different lead. After negotiations and multiple offers to buy the script, Stallone is finally cast, but with a condition: if production falls behind schedule by even one day, he will be replaced. This sets the stage for a meta-underdog story as Stallone fights both on and off screen.
Fan Reactions and Critical Acclaim
Viewers have been effusive in their responses. One commented, 'When a movie's so iconic we're getting a movie about making that movie.' Another said, 'The story behind it is just as inspirational. Plus it has the added benefit of being true.' Many focused on Ippolito's performance: 'Bro is impersonating Stallone with such perfection,' wrote one fan. Another noted, 'Dude even looks like a younger Stallone,' while a fourth added, 'Got the voice down perfectly.' The Apollo Creed character's chuckle and smile at the end of the trailer were also highlighted as 'spot on.'
Anthony Ippolito's Career and Cast
This is not Ippolito's first time portraying a Hollywood legend. He previously played Al Pacino in The Offer, a series about the making of The Godfather. The New York-born actor has also appeared in Purple Hearts, Fool's Day, Pixels, What Would You Do?, and The English Teacher. The cast of I Play Rocky includes AnnaSophia Robb, Toby Kebbell, P.J. Byrne, Stephan James, Jay Duplass, Robert Morgan, Tracy Letts, and Matt Dillon.
Release and Legacy of Rocky
I Play Rocky is slated for release in November 2026, marking 50 years since the original film premiered. The 1976 Rocky won four of its 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and spawned four sequels as well as the Creed spin-off series starring Michael B. Jordan as Apollo Creed's son. The biopic is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and promises to bring the inspiring true story behind the underdog classic to a new generation.
