New film about Sylvester Stallone premieres at Toronto festival
A new film titled I Play Rocky has been praised by early viewers who saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film explores the life of Sylvester Stallone during the creation of the 1970s classic Rocky.Oscar nominations expected for the film
According to one report, the film will receive ten Oscar nominations, including two for Stallone: one for best actor and one for best screenplay. Another report states that the film will win three of these nominations, including best picture.Focus on Stallone’s early challenges
Unlike most sports biopics, which cover a career or a full life, I Play Rocky focuses on the origins of Rocky, detailing the obstacles Stallone faced in the mid-1970s, including writing the screenplay, facing repeated rejections from studios, and his determination to play the leading role himself, even if it meant giving up a large sum of money.Peter Farrelly directs the film
The film is directed by Peter Farrelly, an Oscar winner for Green Book and known for comedies such as Mary's Little Lamb and Dumb and Dumber. Sylvester Stallone is not associated with the project as a screenwriter, consultant, or actor.Cast includes familiar faces
Anthony Ippolito portrays Sylvester Stallone in the film, having previously appeared in The Broken Hearts and the series The Offer, where he played Al Pacino. The trailer, revealed this summer, highlights the striking resemblance between Ippolito and Stallone, noting that Ippolito even changed his voice to resemble Stallone's.Supporting roles highlight notable actors
Stephan James portrays Carl Weathers, the unforgettable Apollo Creed, and AnnaSophia Robb portrays Sasha Czack, Stallone's then-wife. P. J. Byrne (Green Book, The Wolf of Wall Street) plays Irwin Winkler, the historical producer of the franchise, and Toby Kebbell (For All Mankind, Servant) plays Robert Chartoff, his associate.Release dates and timing
I Play Rocky was presented at the Toronto Festival in September 2026 and will be released in American theaters on November 20, after a limited release on November 13. This date coincides with the 50th anniversary of the first Rocky, released in 1976, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.International release planned
In France, the film is expected to be released on December 23, 2026. Scheduled just days before Thanksgiving, one of the most lucrative periods for the American box office, this release highlights the producers' ambitions, just before the awards season.
