I Play Rocky: Film about Stallone’s Early Years Receives Ovation in Toronto

I Play Rocky, the film dedicated to Sylvester Stallone‘s struggle to write and portray Rocky, received an ovation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Anthony Ippolito plays the American actor in his early years.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, the feature film chronicles the time when Stallone, still relatively unknown and facing financial difficulties, refused to sell his screenplay unless he could play the boxer Rocky Balboa himself. This gamble ultimately led to the film’s release in 1976.

The reception at the Princess of Wales Theatre was particularly enthusiastic, according to the Associated Press. Reuters reports that the director presents Stallone’s real-life journey as a story of perseverance akin to that of his character.

Anthony Ippolito captures the voice, gestures, and demeanor of the young Stallone. The cast also includes AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Dillon, Stephan James, Tracy Letts, and Jay Duplass. The film notably recreates the famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Peter Farrelly stated that Sylvester Stallone watched the film alone and enjoyed it. I Play Rocky is set to be released in North American theaters in November 2026, distributed by Amazon MGM Studios in the United States and Elevation Pictures in Canada.