Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for "I Play Rocky," a biopic starring Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone.

The film explores the intersection of art and perseverance, detailing how a struggling actor transformed a low-budget script into a global cinematic phenomenon. By focusing on the production of the original film, the project examines the personal risks and professional gambles required to launch one of the most successful franchises in movie history.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the drama chronicles Stallone’s journey to write, produce, and star in the movie "Rocky" [1, 2]. The narrative focuses on the underdog story of Stallone's ascent, depicting the struggle to maintain creative control over his vision for the character [3, 4].

Ippolito portrays the lead role, with early reactions highlighting his physical likeness and vocal delivery of the legendary actor [5, 6]. The film seeks to dramatize the specific era of the mid-1970s when Stallone fought to bring his script to the screen [3, 4].

The original "Rocky" film was released in 1976 [2]. The new biopic aims to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the tenacity Stallone displayed to ensure he played the title role himself, rather than selling the script to another studio.

According to the official trailer, the film is scheduled to open in theaters on Nov. 13, 2026 [1]. The project is distributed by Amazon MGM Studios and is slated for a wide theatrical release in the U.S. market [7].

“Anthony Ippolito portrays Sylvester Stallone in the biopic "I Play Rocky".”

The release of "I Play Rocky" reflects a continuing trend of 'meta-biopics' that focus on the creation of iconic media rather than a full life history. By centering the plot on the 1976 production, the film leverages the enduring nostalgia of the original sports drama while positioning the narrative as a study of artistic independence and industry struggle.