AnnaSophia Robb Shares Stallone Advice on Role
The actress discussed preparing to play Sylvester Stallone's first wife in the behind-the-scenes Rocky drama I PLAY ROCKY.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Celebrities
AnnaSophia Robb said she received advice directly from Sylvester Stallone while preparing to play Sasha Czack, his first wife, in I PLAY ROCKY. Robb adopted Czack's love of photography for the role, and she discussed the part during an appearance on TODAY.
Why it matters
The film is a behind-the-scenes drama about the making of the 1976 film Rocky, offering a look at the people who shaped the original production. Robb's account of working with Stallone's guidance provides context on how the film's cast approached real figures from that production.
The original Rocky was made in 1976, and I PLAY ROCKY opens in select theaters on November 6 before a wider release on November 20. The source does not provide box office projections or audience figures for the new film.
The players
AnnaSophia Robb
American actress who plays Sasha Czack, Sylvester Stallone's first wife, in I PLAY ROCKY.
Sylvester Stallone
American actor and screenwriter best known for creating and starring in the Rocky franchise, whose advice guided Robb's preparation for the role.
Peter Farrelly
American filmmaker known for directing comedies, who directs I PLAY ROCKY.
The details
Robb said she adopted Czack's love of photography while preparing for the part, and Stallone offered her advice on the role. Anthony Ippolito stars as Stallone in the film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is directed by Peter Farrelly. Robb and Ippolito attended a special screening in Philadelphia alongside Farrelly, and Ryan Gosling has praised the film.
Timeline
1976: The original Rocky film is released.
November 4, 2026: Robb's TODAY appearance discussing the role is published.
November 6, 2026: I PLAY ROCKY opens in select theaters.
November 20, 2026: I PLAY ROCKY receives a wider theatrical release.
Legacy Context
I PLAY ROCKY returns to the 1976 production of Rocky, the film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and tells its story through the people involved in making it. The project adds a behind-the-scenes account to a franchise that has been revisited for nearly five decades.
Moviegoers can see I PLAY ROCKY in select theaters starting November 6, with a wider release following on November 20. Those outside the initial markets will need to wait for the broader November 20 rollout to view the film in theaters.
The takeaway
Behind-the-scenes films about iconic productions often reveal how real people shaped the work, and I PLAY ROCKY offers that view of the 1976 Rocky. Readers interested in the film can track its November release dates to plan a viewing.
What happens next
I PLAY ROCKY opens in select theaters on November 6 and receives a wider release on November 20.
Further reading
Explore more celebrity news and profiles on the film's cast and production.
