I Play Rocky Teaser Shows Anthony Ippolito as Young Sylvester Stallone

Amazon MGM Studios showed off the teaser trailer for one of its upcoming films, I Play Rocky. It gives a quick preview of the biographical drama. Launching in theaters later this year, it will explore the challenges Sylvester Stallone, played by The Offer’s Anthony Ippolito, faced while trying to make the iconic indie sports drama, Rocky. In addition to Ippolito, the movie stars Stephan James, AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Dillon, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, and Tracy Letts.

I Play Rocky’s first teaser trailer shows ‘incredible true story’ of Sylvester Stallone

I Play Rocky‘s first trailer premiered at CinemaCon, where Amazon MGM Studios unveiled their upcoming film slate. The movie is set long before Stallone became a notable action movie star. He wrote Rocky’s script, intending to star in it. However, he faced numerous hurdles because he refused to sell the rights until he could play the titular character.

Director Peter Farrelly told attendees while introducing the footage, “It’s a movie for anyone who’s ever been naive and crazy enough to make their dream a reality (via Variety).”

The footage shows Ippolito channeling Stallone’s slurred speech and mannerisms. He says that he now goes by Mike since children made fun of his actual name. Another scene shows the actor hearing a negative remark that casts doubt on his ability to be a movie star. He is told, “You don’t got the looks to be a movie star, you talk like you’ve got rocks in your mouth (via The Hollywood Reporter).”

However, his girlfriend, Sasha Czack, encourages him to use his birth name and to write his own script while reserving the best part in the movie for himself.

Stallone writes the script and goes on a long journey to convince executives to let him star. He eventually lands the part, but learns he will be paid less. Scenes show him struggling on set due to difficulties like catching the flu and hurting his hand after punching meat.

The footage ends with the Rocky theme playing in the background, showing Stallone at the top of the Philadelphia Art Museum Steps.

I Play Rocky hits limited theaters on November 13, 2026, before its wider release on November 20. Farrelly directed from Peter Gamble’s script. Meanwhile, Toby Emmerich and Christian Baha produced it.