The biopic chronicles the arduous journey of Sylvester Stallone, from struggling screenwriter to an unlikely leading man, as he fought tooth and nail to star in his own script, Rocky. This cinematic origin story is helmed by Peter Farrelly, known for his work on the Academy Award-winning Green Book, bringing a seasoned storyteller's touch to this tale of artistic perseverance.
Taking on the challenging role of a young Sylvester Stallone is Anthony Ippolito, who previously garnered attention for his portrayal of Al Pacino in the series The Offer, which explored the making of The Godfather. According to Ecran Large, the new trailer highlights Ippolito's striking resemblance to Stallone, capturing the essence of the "Italian Stallion" during his formative years.
The newly released footage from Amazon MGM Studios appears to shift its focus compared to the initial teaser. While earlier glimpses hinted at Stallone's stubbornness in the face of studio executives who were hesitant to cast him, this latest trailer notably emphasizes his talents as a screenwriter and his sheer tenacity as an actor. The narrative seems poised to paint a highly complimentary, if not hagiographic, portrait of the multi-hyphenate star. An early, telling line featured in the trailer underscores this celebratory tone: "There's only one Sylvester: Sylvester Stallone."
Beyond Ippolito, the film boasts a compelling ensemble cast. Stephan James steps into the shoes of Carl Weathers, portraying the legendary Apollo Creed. AnnaSophia Robb plays Sasha Czack, Stallone's wife during that pivotal period. Producers Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff are brought to life by P.J. Byrne and Toby Kebbell, respectively. Kiki Seto embodies Talia Shire, the original Adrian, while Scot Teller plays Burt Young, who famously portrayed Paulie. The film also introduces a fictional character, Sandy Maddox, played by Tracy Letts, whose presence is also glimpsed in the trailer.
I Play Rocky is set to premiere in France on December 23, offering film enthusiasts a deep dive into the making of a cinematic legend.