Anthony Ippolito Cast as Young Sylvester Stallone
The 27-year-old actor will portray the Rocky star in the biographical drama "I Play Rocky," directed by Peter Farrelly.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Boxing
Anthony Ippolito has been cast to play a young Sylvester Stallone in "I Play Rocky," a biographical drama directed by Peter Farrelly. The film is headed to theatres in November 2026.
Why it matters
The film chronicles Stallone's difficult early days, including periods when he slept on the streets and sold his dog because he could not afford to feed it. Its story centers on the origins of a franchise that has remained a fixture of American film for half a century.
"Rocky" won three Academy Awards, including best picture, and the franchise spans a half-century. Production budget and box office projections for "I Play Rocky" have not been disclosed.
The players
Anthony Ippolito
Anthony Ippolito is a 27-year-old actor who was cast to play a young Sylvester Stallone in the biographical drama.
Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone is the actor and screenwriter who created and starred in the "Rocky" franchise, which won three Academy Awards including best picture.
Peter Farrelly
Peter Farrelly is the filmmaker who directed "I Play Rocky" and is known for co-directing comedies such as "There's Something About Mary."
The details
Ippolito improvised an audition by rigging a punching bag in his grandmother's basement and secured the role before the official casting process began. The producers launched a worldwide search after Stallone suggested casting a little-known actor, and Stallone met with Ippolito a month before filming began.
Timeline
Stallone met with Ippolito a month before filming began.
"I Play Rocky" is headed to theatres in November 2026.
Season Trajectory
The "Rocky" franchise, which won three Academy Awards including best picture, has remained a touchstone of American film for half a century. "I Play Rocky" extends that legacy by going back to the difficult years when Stallone wrote the script that launched it.
"I Play Rocky" is headed to theatres in November 2026, so moviegoers can see the film in cinemas that month. Ticket prices and specific theatre availability have not been announced.
The takeaway
Stallone's refusal to sell his script unless he played the lead shows how a long-shot creative bet can reshape a career. The casting of an unknown actor for the young version of that story underscores how the original film's underdog theme continues to resonate.
Further reading
For more on the sport at the center of the "Rocky" legacy, explore our Boxing coverage.
