I Play Rocky Release Date, Cast and Reviews: The True Story of How Stallone Made Rocky

In 1975, a broke, unknown actor had a script every studio wanted and a condition none of them liked: he had to play the lead. That actor was Sylvester Stallone, and the film was Rocky.

I Play Rocky tells that story. It was runner-up for the People’s Choice Award at TIFF, and critics keep singling out Anthony Ippolito’s uncanny Stallone.

Here is the release date, cast and what reviewers are saying.

The true story behind I Play Rocky

The film follows the chaotic development and production of Rocky, the low-budget boxing drama that went on to win Best Picture. Stallone famously refused to sell his script unless he could star in it.

It is a story about betting on yourself when nobody else will, which is also the story of Rocky Balboa.

I Play Rocky cast

Anthony Ippolito plays Sylvester Stallone and AnnaSophia Robb plays his wife, Sasha Czack. Matt Dillon plays his father, Frank Stallone Sr.

The Rocky team is played by P.J. Byrne (producer Irwin Winkler), Toby Kebbell (producer Robert Chartoff) and Jay Duplass (director John G. Avildsen). Stephan James plays Carl Weathers, Robert Morgan plays Burgess Meredith, Kiki Seto plays Talia Shire and Scot Teller plays Burt Young.

I Play Rocky reviews

Critics are mostly positive: 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman liked how it mirrors the Rocky story in its own making. ScreenDaily was less kind, calling it pastiche.

Almost everyone agrees on one thing: Ippolito is the reason to watch. He won the Breakthrough Award at SCAD Savannah, and the film won the Audience Choice Award at Cinéfest Sudbury.

Will I Play Rocky release in India?

No Indian theatrical date has been announced. As an Amazon MGM Studios film, it is likely to stream on Prime Video after its theatrical run, but no date is confirmed.

FAQ

Watch the official trailer on YouTube.