Sylvester Stallone Reveals His Honest Review Of I Play Rocky

Published Nov 8, 2026, 6:41 PM EST

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I Play Rocky has managed to impress even Sylvester Stallone himself.

Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone during his efforts to bring Rocky to the big screen. The film follows the actor and screenwriter as he fights to play the lead role in his own script, despite facing resistance from Hollywood executives. Nearly 50 years after the original movie's release, Stallone has now revealed what he thinks of seeing his story portrayed on screen.

During an interview with CBS Mornings, Stallone admitted that he initially expected to be critical of Ippolito's performance. However, after watching the movie, he found himself impressed by how accurately the actor portrayed his younger self, stating:

"It was very surreal because at first I was gonna be hypercritical, like that's me. I don't walk like that. But I did walk like that. I did talk like that. I'm realizing this guy did a magnificent job, and I actually forgot I was me, and I sat back and watched the movie like the audience."

The actor's positive reaction is particularly notable considering his earlier comments about the movie. In September 2025, Stallone responded to I Play Rocky, revealing that he had no involvement in the film and was "shocked" to learn about the project. At the time, he said he could have offered insight into the making of the original Rocky.

I Play Rocky has also received positive reviews since its September premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. The biopic debuted with a 74% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the original Rocky's 93%. In ScreenRant's review of I Play Rocky, George Bate awarded the movie a 9/10, particularly praising Ippolito's transformation into Stallone.

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For Ippolito, portraying such a recognizable Hollywood figure meant recreating more than Stallone's appearance. The actor also had to capture his distinctive voice, physical mannerisms, and boxing abilities, all of which have drawn praise from critics and now Stallone himself.

During the discussion, Stallone also joked that Ippolito should have suffered a concussion while preparing for the role. Although the star confirmed that he did not experience one, he acknowledged getting "a little banged up" while training at New York's historic Gleason's Gym.

Stallone's portrayal of Rocky Balboa helped launch one of Hollywood's most successful sports franchises, spanning six Rocky movies and three Creed spinoffs. The original 1976 film also earned 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture. Nearly 50 years later, I Play Rocky revisits the struggles Stallone faced before becoming a household name, with the actor now praising the performance that brings his younger self to the screen.

I Play Rocky hits theaters nationwide on November 20, 2026.

Cast

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  Anthony Ippolito

  Sylvester Stallone

• 

  Carl Weathers

I Play Rocky is a documentary film that explores the life of Sylvester Stallone, the actor and writer behind the iconic Rocky film series. The film delves into Stallone's journey from a struggling actor to a Hollywood star, highlighting his perseverance and determination that led to the creation of the beloved Rocky character.