I Play Rocky: Stallone's Approval and Ippolito's Performance Anchor Farrelly's Biopic

Key points

• Anthony Ippolito, who stars as a young Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky,' stated that meeting Stallone before filming was 'overwhelming and daunting' after spending over a year studying him.
• Director Peter Farrelly confirmed that Stallone has seen the finished film and given his approval, a crucial step for the project's credibility.
• The film, written by Peter Gamble, details how Stallone insisted on playing the lead role despite studio resistance and a reduced $1 million budget.
• Critics at the Toronto International Film Festival praised Ippolito's performance as uncanny and the film as a 'crowd-pleaser' that captures the spirit of the original 1976 movie.
• The film is scheduled for a limited release on November 13, 2026, followed by a nationwide release on November 20, 2026.

Background

This story follows the premiere of 'I Play Rocky' at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the film generated significant buzz. The project marks the 50th anniversary of the original 'Rocky' film, which grossed over $1.7 billion globally. Stallone is also set to return to television in 'Tulsa King' Season 4, premiering on Paramount+ on October 16, 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes the personal dynamic between Ippolito and Stallone, highlighting the actor's nervousness and the emotional weight of the meeting. Deadline and Variety focus on the film's critical reception, with Deadline's Pete Hammond calling it 'fantastic' and Variety's Owen Gleiberman praising Ippolito's 'miraculous' channeling of Stallone's voice and mannerisms. A notable divergence appears in Deadline's comment section, where a reader criticizes the film for omitting the roles of agents Lawrence Kubik and Craig T. Rumar, arguing their exclusion perpetuates a revisionist version of the Rocky origin story, a point not addressed in the main reviews.

Why it matters

The film's success hinges on its ability to authentically recreate a pivotal moment in cinema history while securing the blessing of the real-life figure at its center. Stallone's approval and the critical acclaim at TIFF suggest the film may become a significant awards contender, particularly given its release timing coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original 'Rocky.'

What to watch

The film will begin a limited theatrical run on November 13, 2026, expanding to a nationwide release on November 20, 2026. Industry observers will likely monitor its performance as a potential awards season contender, particularly for Best Picture and acting categories.