Sylvester Stallone Gives ‘I Play Rocky’ a Strong Endorsement, Praising Anthony Ippolito’s Near‑Perfect Portrayal

Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone during his quest to bring the iconic Rocky to the big screen. The biopic chronicles the actor‑screenwriter’s battle to secure the lead role in his own script, despite resistance from Hollywood executives, echoing the very challenges that launched his career nearly five decades ago.

“It was very surreal because at first I was gonna be hypercritical, like that’s me. I don’t walk like that. But I did walk like that. I did talk like that. I’m realizing this guy did a magnificent job, and I actually forgot I was me, and I sat back and watched the movie like the audience.”

Stallone’s current enthusiasm is particularly notable given his earlier remarks. In September 2025, he disclosed that he had no involvement in the film and was “shocked” to learn of the project, noting he could have offered insight into the making of the original Rocky.

Since its September premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I Play Rocky has garnered solid reviews. The film holds a 74% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes—an impressive figure when compared to the original Rocky’s 93%—and earned a 9/10 rating from ScreenRant’s George Bate, who highlighted Ippolito’s transformative performance as Stallone.

To embody such a recognizable icon, Ippolito needed more than a physical resemblance; he also had to capture Stallone’s distinctive voice, mannerisms, and boxing abilities. Critics and now Stallone himself have praised his comprehensive portrayal.

During the interview, Stallone joked that Ippolito should have endured a concussion while preparing for the role. Although the star confirmed he never experienced one, he admitted to getting “a little banged up” while training at New York’s historic Gleason’s Gym.

Stallone’s turn as Rocky Balboa helped launch one of Hollywood’s most successful sports franchises, spanning six Rocky movies and three Creed spinoffs. The original 1976 film also earned ten Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture. Nearly five decades later, I Play Rocky revisits the hurdles Stallone faced before achieving stardom, with the actor now applauding the performance that brings his younger self to life.

I Play Rocky is slated to open nationwide on November 20, 2026.

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