Anthony Ippolito is stepping into the shoes of Sylvester Stallone!
The 26-year-old actor will portray a young version of the action star in the upcoming movie, I Play Rocky, about the making of Rocky, and the first official photo has been revealed.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Production is underway for I PLAY ROCKY, starring Anthony Ippolito. The film tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone and his unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky, he was meant to be Rocky Balboa,” retailer MGM Studios shared on social media.
The photo, which can be seen below, sees Anthony wearing a grey sweat suit with a black beanie while running on the beach with a dog by his side.
Production is underway for I PLAY ROCKY, starring Anthony Ippolito. The film tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone and his unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky, he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. pic.twitter.com/hDY0I1jlGS
— retailer MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) October 20, 2025
Sylvester, himself, also shared the photo on his own Instagram.
“The movie ‘I play Rocky’ started filming Friday… Good luck to them – keep punching!!! 🥊🥊,” he captioned the pic, showing his support.
The actor, who created and originated the iconic role of Rocky Balboa, has previously shown his support after the casting was announced.
“Filming starts October 15 and I wish them all the luck in the world. It’s a wonderful script !Keep punching , Kid!” he wrote in August.
The upcoming drama is “the true Hollywood story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. Told ‘no’ at every turn, Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.”
Peter Ferrelly, who is most known for helming several comedies, is directing I Play Rocky, with a script by Peter Gamble.
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