Sylvester Stallone Cheers On Actor Starring In His New Biopic

He’s got the eye of the tiger. The Rocky legend has shown his excitement for a new Sylvester Stallone biopic, I Play Rocky. The film tells the story of his early struggles in Hollywood, long before he became a household name.

According to the New York Post, Stallone shared his support on Instagram with a photo of actor Anthony Ippolito running on a beach. “The movie ‘I Play Rocky’ started filming Friday,” Stallone, 79, wrote. “Good luck to them—keep punching!!!” The upcoming film will capture his life from the 1960s to 1976, when he wrote and starred in Rocky, which went on to win Best Picture.

A True Underdog Story

Production is underway for I PLAY ROCKY, starring Anthony Ippolito. The film tells the true story of Sylvester Stallone and his unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky, he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. pic.twitter.com/hDY0I1jlGS

— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) October 20, 2025

The Sylvester Stallone biopic will be directed by Peter Farrelly, whose Green Book won Best Picture in 2019. The film revisits Stallone’s rise from an unknown actor to the writer and star of one of cinema’s most iconic stories. It brings back the classic underdog spirit that defined Rocky.

Anthony Ippolito, known for his portrayal of Al Pacino in The Offer, will play Stallone. The cast also includes AnnaSophia Robb as his ex-wife Sasha Czack and Matt Dillon as his father, Frank Stallone Sr. Other roles feature PJ Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, and Jay Duplass as the producers and filmmakers who helped bring Rocky to life.

The Legacy Lives On

The Sylvester Stallone biopic celebrates the lasting impact of Rocky. What began as one man’s dream has become a timeless symbol of perseverance and hope. Even decades later, the franchise continues to thrive, with the Creed films earning more than $664 million worldwide.

As I Play Rocky begins production, fans are eager to see how it captures the determination that defined Stallone’s life. Just like Rocky, it’s a reminder that heart and hard work can turn an underdog into a legend.