Rocky Biopic: First Look at Young Stallone Revealed!

Thescreescore – The cameras are rolling on the making-of story behind the iconic "Rocky," and a tantalizing glimpse of young Sylvester Stallone has emerged. Peter Farrelly is directing the biopic, chronicling Stallone’s journey to create the 1976 sports drama he both starred in and wrote. Anthony Ippolito embodies the young Stallone, capturing his early years before "Rocky" catapulted him to fame.

Entertainment Tonight recently unveiled set photos on Instagram, showcasing Ippolito’s transformation for "I Play Rocky." The images depict Ippolito sporting a cream tank top and grey jacket, channeling Stallone’s look. One photo captures him mid-swing, pen in hand, while another features him with a dog, representing Stallone’s beloved Butkus, who sadly passed away in 1981.

Amazon MGM Studios will distribute the upcoming film, but a release date remains unconfirmed. The cast includes Stephen James as a young Carl Weathers and AnnaSophia Robb as Stallone’s former wife, Sasha Czack. Matt Dillon takes on the role of Stallone’s father.

"I Play Rocky" delves into the challenges of producing the 1976 classic, which garnered ten Academy Award nominations and secured three wins, including Best Picture. Stallone penned the script in just three and a half days, but the production faced hurdles, particularly regarding casting an unknown actor in the lead role.

The original film spawned a $1.9 billion franchise, encompassing four sequels and three "Creed" spin-offs. Stallone received multiple acting nominations for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa, including Best Actor in 1977 and Best Supporting Actor for "Creed" in 2016.

Stallone recently expressed surprise upon learning about the biopic, stating he had "zero to do with it." He admitted wishing he had been consulted, believing his firsthand experience could have provided valuable insights.

While filming is underway, the release date for "I Play Rocky" remains uncertain. The biopic promises to depict the creator’s struggles to realize his vision, mirroring the underdog story of the original film and challenging those who doubted his casting choices.