I Play Rocky (2026)

Overview

"I Play Rocky" is a biographical drama directed by Peter Farrelly about the true story behind the making of "Rocky" (1976). The main character is a young, still-unknown actor, Sylvester Stallone (played by Anthony Ippolito), who refuses to sell his script unless he is allowed to play the lead role himself in the film he wrote. The film tells the story of how an outsider with nearly empty pockets fought his way to a status that changed Hollywood. According to reviewers, you don't need to be a fan of the original "Rocky" to understand the film — it is a story about stubbornness and self-belief, built so that the audience roots for the underdog hero.

The world premiere took place on September 12, 2026, at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the film received a warm reception from audiences. Amazon MGM Studios releases the film in limited theaters in the US on November 6, 2026, followed by a wide release just before Thanksgiving. Runtime — 127 minutes.

It's worth noting that Sylvester Stallone himself did not take part in creating the biopic — he stated in the press that he is not involved in this project, but that did not stop critics from highly praising Ippolito's work, who, according to reviews, convincingly conveys the look, voice, and energy of young Stallone.