I Play Rocky (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

I Play Rocky dramatizes the early struggle behind Rocky, focusing on Sylvester Stallone’s refusal to give up the lead role in the boxing film he helped write. Anthony Ippolito plays Stallone in Peter Farrelly’s fact-based drama, which also features AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Dillon and Stephan James.

I Play Rocky revisits the story behind one of Hollywood’s best-known underdog characters. Rather than centering on Rocky Balboa himself, the film follows Sylvester Stallone as an unknown actor determined to write the character and play him on screen.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the 2026 drama examines Stallone’s decision to hold on to the lead role despite repeated rejection. Anthony Ippolito stars as Stallone in a cast that includes AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Dillon and Stephan James.

I Play Rocky movie details

Story without spoilers

Set against the worlds of Hollywood and filmmaking, I Play Rocky portrays Sylvester Stallone at a pivotal point in his career. He has written Rocky, but securing the chance to portray Rocky Balboa becomes a separate and seemingly difficult battle.

The film’s central conflict comes from Stallone’s determination to remain attached to the lead role. As the project faces resistance, he risks his prospects by refusing to surrender the part he believes belongs to him. The story also draws on the film’s boxing and Philadelphia context while focusing on the people connected to Rocky’s creation.

What to expect

I Play Rocky is identified as a drama and historical film based on a true story. Its premise points to a character-driven account of persistence, creative ownership and the pressures surrounding an ambitious filmmaking project.

Boxing is part of the film’s subject matter, but the supplied story centers more specifically on the making of Rocky and Stallone’s fight to play its central character. With a 2-hour, 8-minute runtime, the film has room to cover both his personal push for the role and the wider group involved in the project.

Cast and creative team

Anthony Ippolito plays Sylvester Stallone, with AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack. P.J. Byrne portrays Irwin Winkler, Toby Kebbell plays Robert Chartoff and Jay Duplass portrays John Avildsen. The cast also includes Tracy Letts as Sandy Maddox, Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Stephan James as Carl Weathers, Kiki Seto as Talia Shire and Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith.

Peter Farrelly directs I Play Rocky, and Peter Gamble is credited as the writer.

• Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone
• AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack
• P.J. Byrne as Irwin Winkler
• Toby Kebbell as Robert Chartoff
• Jay Duplass as John Avildsen
• Tracy Letts as Sandy Maddox
• Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr.
• Stephan James as Carl Weathers
• Kiki Seto as Talia Shire
• Robert Morgan as Burgess Meredith

Release and production context

I Play Rocky is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of November 6, 2026. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes and is classified as a drama and history production. It is associated with the United States of America and Australia, and its spoken language is English.

The listed production companies are Eden Rock Media, Baha Productions, Fireside Films, FilmNation Entertainment and International Media Funds Management.

Production companies: Eden Rock Media, Baha Productions, Fireside Films, FilmNation Entertainment, International Media Funds Management

I Play Rocky official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

Movies Dock view

With its focus on the origins of Rocky and Stallone’s insistence on playing the title character, I Play Rocky presents a behind-the-scenes historical drama about creative conviction. Its ensemble includes actors portraying several figures connected to the film’s development, while Peter Farrelly directs the account.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb