A new film is coming out about Sylvester Stallone, but it’s not another Rocky movie. Instead of showing an older Stallone boxing, I Play Rocky tells the true story behind how the actor created and starred in the original Rocky. Amazon MGM Studios has announced the film will be in theaters around the 50th anniversary of the first Rocky movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming film I Play Rocky, starring Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone, will be released in theaters nationwide on November 20, 2026, after a limited release on November 13. This release date is close to the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky film, which premiered on November 21, 1976.
The new film I Play Rocky, directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book), tells the story behind the making of the Rocky movies. The cast features actors portraying younger versions of the real people involved, including Stephan James as Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed), Kiki Seto as Talia Shire (Adrian), Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith (Mickey), Scot Teller as Burt Young (Paulie), and Rob Demery as Joe Frazier. Rounding out the cast are AnnaSophia Robb, P. J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Jay Duplass, and Matt Dillon, who plays Sylvester Stallone’s father, Frank Stallone Sr.
‘Rocky’ Is an Essential Underdog Story
United Artists
The making of the first Rocky movie is a remarkable story in itself, mirroring the film’s underdog theme. Written by a then-struggling Sylvester Stallone – who was so short on cash he even had to sell his dog, thankfully later buying him back – the project faced obstacles because Stallone insisted on playing the lead role. Ultimately, producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff recognized his vision, purchased the script, and allowed him to star as the iconic boxer.
As a huge movie fan, it’s amazing to look back at how Rocky took off! It didn’t just lead to a bunch of sequels – it created this whole universe, and the Creed spin-offs have been fantastic. And honestly, just like Rocky himself, this franchise just keeps getting back on its feet! I’m really excited to hear that Michael B. Jordan is working on a fourth Creed film, and even more excited about the new Prime Video series, Delphi. Apparently, it’s going to follow a new group of boxers training at the Delphi Boxing Academy, which sounds awesome!
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In addition to other projects, Sylvester Stallone announced in 2024 that he’s developing a Rocky prequel. He shared that the story is personally meaningful to him and is flowing easily as he writes it. The prequel will explore the younger years of the characters – a 15-year-old Adrienne, a 17-year-old Rocky, and Paulie adjusting to a new life. Stallone described it as a heartwarming story similar to Lady and the Tramp, but based on real people and their experiences, and anticipates it will be fantastic.
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2026-01-28 13:17