Amazon MGM’s ‘Rocky’ Behind-the-Scenes Movie Has Found Its Sylvester Stallone

Anthony Ippolito, known for playing Al Pacino in Paramount+’s limited series The Offer, is set to take on another legendary Italian-American actor: Sylvester Stallone.

According to sources, Ippolito has landed the lead in Amazon MGM’s upcoming film I Play Rocky, which tells the story behind the making of the iconic boxing movie Rocky.

The film will be directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Farrelly, best known for The Green Book, and is planned for a theatrical release by Amazon MGM. Ippolito will portray a young Stallone as he navigates the early days of Hollywood, determined to star in the movie he wrote despite repeated setbacks.

The story highlights Stallone’s relentless belief in himself and the risks he took to become the face of Rocky Balboa.

“He was told no at every turn, but he never gave up. That’s what makes the story so powerful,” a source familiar with the project told The Hollywood Reporter.

Interestingly, Ippolito’s journey to the role mirrors Stallone’s own tenacity. Upon learning about the project, he filmed a self-made audition tape and sent it directly to producers. That bold move helped him secure the part, echoing the perseverance the film celebrates.

The movie is produced by Toby Emmerich, the former chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, and Christian Baha, with a screenplay by Peter Gamble. I Play Rocky revisits the origins of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated franchises.

The original Rocky, distributed by United Artists and later MGM, became an iconic and financially successful series, grossing more than $1.7 billion worldwide, including the Creed spin-offs, and winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1976.

Ippolito’s previous work includes portraying Pacino in The Offer, starring in Netflix’s romantic drama Purple Hearts, playing a younger version of Adam Sandler’s character in Pixels, and appearing in David Chase’s Not Fade Away. He is represented by Gersh, Untitled Entertainment, and Lichter Grossman.

“I wanted to bring the same energy and drive to playing Stallone that he brought to Rocky,” Ippolito said in a statement.

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