Some stories are destined to come full circle and I Play Rocky is stepping into the ring at exactly the right moment.
Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced that I Play Rocky, a biopic chronicling Sylvester Stallone’s uphill battle to bring Rocky to life, will debut in limited theaters on November 13th, 2026, before expanding nationwide on November 20th. The timing is no coincidence as the original Rocky premiered on November 21st, 1976, making the film’s release a near-perfect tribute to the franchise’s 50th anniversary.
Much like the fictional underdog story that captured the world’s imagination, I Play Rocky focuses on Stallone’s real-life struggle to get his passion project made. Facing rejection, financial uncertainty, and industry skepticism while refusing to give up ownership of his vision. Anthony Ippolito stars as a young Stallone, portraying not only the actor who became Rocky Balboa, but the determined writer who fought to tell his story on his own terms.
The film is directed by Peter Farrelly (Green Book), with a screenplay by Peter Gamble, signaling a grounded, character-driven approach rather than a glossy retelling. Early buzz suggests the film leans into authenticity, emphasizing grit over grandeur—an ethos deeply aligned with the Rocky legacy itself.
A Cast That Reflects A Cultural Moment
The ensemble cast further underscores the film’s ambition. Stephan James steps into the role of Carl Weathers, while Matt Dillon portrays Stallone’s father, Frank Stallone Sr. AnnaSophia Robb appears as Sasha Czack, Stallone’s then-girlfriend, with Kiki Seto as Talia Shire. The behind-the-scenes power players are also represented, including P.J. Byrne as producer Irwin Winkler, Toby Kebbell as Robert Chartoff, and Jay Duplass as director John G. Avildsen. Scot Teller takes on the role of Burt Young, whose portrayal of Paulie Pennino became a defining part of the franchise.
A first-look image released in October 2025 showing Ippolito as Stallone running along the beach with his dog Butkus instantly resonated with fans, echoing one of cinema’s most iconic training sequences while grounding the moment in reality.
Honoring The Past While The Franchise Evolves
I Play Rocky arrives as the Rocky universe continues to evolve. The franchise has successfully expanded through the Creed trilogy, led by Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed. While Stallone stepped away from Creed III, Jordan has since confirmed that a fourth installment is something he wants to pursue—when the right story presents itself.
That balance between honoring legacy and pushing forward is exactly what I Play Rocky represents. Rather than revisiting the ring, the film turns the camera inward, spotlighting the perseverance and belief that sparked one of the most enduring stories in film history.
Nearly five decades after Rocky proved that heart matters more than hype, I Play Rocky is poised to remind audiences why Stallone’s journey—both on screen and off—still packs a powerful punch.
