I Play Rocky is an upcoming American biographical drama film directed by Peter Farrelly and written by Peter Gamble. It follows the development and production of the film Rocky (1976). Anthony Ippolito stars as Sylvester Stallone, alongside AnnaSophia Robb, Toby Kebbell, P. J. Byrne, Stephan James, Jay Duplass, Robert Morgan, Tracy Letts, and Matt Dillon.
I Play Rocky is set to have a limited theatrical release by Amazon MGM Studios in the United States on November 6, 2026, expanding nationwide two weeks later on November 20.
Contents
Cast
Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone, screenwriter of Rocky and the actor who plays Rocky Balboa
AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack, Sylvester's wife
Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Sylvester's father
P. J. Byrne as Irwin Winkler, a producer of Rocky
Toby Kebbell as Robert Chartoff, a producer of Rocky
Stephan James as Carl Weathers, Sylvester's co-star playing Apollo Creed
Tracy Letts as Sandy Maddox
Jay Duplass as John G. Avildsen, the director of Rocky
Kiki Seto as Talia Shire, Sylvester's co-star playing Adrian Pennino
Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith, Sylvester's co-star playing Mickey Goldmill
Saul Stein as Sal
Trevor St. John as Grant Bader
Erik Palladino as Pete, Sylvester's boxing coach
Rob Demery as Joe Frazier
Scot Teller as Burt Young, Sylvester's co-star playing Paulie Pennino
Production
In May 2024, a biographical drama film depicting the making of the tumultuous production of the 1976 film Rocky was announced, with Peter Farrelly directing and Peter Gamble writing the script. CAA Media Finance handled U.S sales while FilmNation Entertainment handled international at the Cannes Market 2024. In August 2025, Anthony Ippolito was cast as a young Sylvester Stallone with Amazon MGM Studios coming onboard for domestic distribution. In October 2025, Stephan James was cast as Carl Weathers, while AnnaSophia Robb and Matt Dillon were cast as Stallone's first wife Sasha Czack and his father Frank Stallone Sr.. P. J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, Kiki Seto, Robert Morgan, Saul Stein, Trevor St. John, Erik Palladino, and Rob Demery would round out the cast later that month.
Stallone confirmed that he had not been contacted by anyone regarding the film, and that he only learned about its existence after reading about it, although he was still open to participating in the film's production as a consultant.
Filming
Principal photography began on October 15, 2025, in New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, with Sean Porter serving as the cinematographer.
Release
Originally scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 13, 2026, and expanding nationwide on November 20, I Play Rocky's limited release was later moved up by a week to November 6.
The film is slated to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2026.
