I PLAY ROCKY Director and Cast Share Exclusive Sylvester Stallone Stories

Peter Farrelly, Anthony Ippolito, AnnaSophia Robb, Stephan James, and Kiki Seto speak about bringing Sylvester Stallone’s incredible journey to the big screen, recreating Hollywood history, and discovering the heart behind one of cinema’s greatest underdog stories.

Nearly 50 years after Sylvester Stallone introduced audiences to Rocky Balboa, the extraordinary story behind the creation of one of Hollywood’s most beloved films is finally getting its own moment in the spotlight.

I PLAY ROCKY, directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, takes audiences back to a time when Stallone was an unknown actor struggling to make his mark in Hollywood. Armed with a screenplay, an unwavering belief in himself, and a determination to play the character he created, Stallone refused to give up on his dream, even when the odds seemed impossible.

Starring Anthony Ippolito as the young Stallone, the film explores the personal sacrifices, professional obstacles, and emotional struggles that ultimately led to the making of the 1976 classic ROCKY.

For those who grew up watching Rocky Balboa fight against impossible odds, I PLAY ROCKY offers something especially meaningful: a chance to discover the real-life underdog whose determination brought the fictional boxer to life.

Nerdtropolis had the opportunity to speak exclusively with director Peter Farrelly and cast members Anthony Ippolito, AnnaSophia Robb, Stephan James, and Kiki Seto about recreating cinematic history, honoring the real people behind these legendary characters, and uncovering incredible stories from the making of ROCKY.

From Stallone’s improvised emotional scene with Mickey to a major sequence that Farrelly ultimately removed from his own film, these conversations reveal just how much passion went into bringing this remarkable Hollywood story to the screen.

Peter Farrelly Reveals the Rocky Scene That Changed Everything

For director Peter Farrelly, bringing Stallone’s journey to life meant rediscovering a story he thought he already knew.

The filmmaker, known for GREEN BOOK, DUMB AND DUMBER, and THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, explained during our conversation that he initially questioned whether there was enough material to justify revisiting the origins of ROCKY.

However, reading Peter Gamble’s screenplay completely changed his perspective.

“I thought, I know this story,” Farrelly told Nerdtropolis. “But it turned out I didn’t know anything. There’s so much behind this story.”

Farrelly believes watching I PLAY ROCKY will give audiences an entirely different appreciation for Stallone’s original masterpiece, especially when revisiting the film afterward.

One particular moment from ROCKY continues to stand out to the filmmaker: the emotional confrontation between Rocky and Mickey after the aging trainer visits Rocky’s apartment.

Farrelly revealed that Stallone improvised the powerful moment after director John G. Avildsen questioned why Rocky would suddenly forgive Mickey and chase after him.

According to Farrelly, Stallone stepped away from the set for approximately five minutes before returning and delivering the emotional scene.

When the moment was recreated for I PLAY ROCKY, Farrelly and his crew experienced something remarkably similar to what the original filmmakers witnessed decades earlier.

“We were so moved by it,” Farrelly recalled. “It was an incredible performance, and it is definitely the moment that changed the movie.”

The filmmaker explained that the emotional power of the scene also changed how he experienced his own film.

Why Farrelly Cut a Major Rocky Fight Sequence

One of the biggest revelations from our conversation involved a sequence Farrelly spent an extraordinary amount of time recreating, only to make the difficult decision to remove it from the film’s main narrative.

The director originally planned to conclude I PLAY ROCKY by recreating the climactic fight between Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed.

The production dedicated approximately one week to filming the sequence, an especially significant investment considering the entire movie was shot in roughly six to six-and-a-half weeks.

However, once Farrelly began editing, he realized the story had already reached its emotional peak when Stallone’s character ran up the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

“It was just a peak that you weren’t ever gonna hit again,” Farrelly explained.

Despite initially resisting the decision because of the time spent filming the fight, he ultimately recognized that ending the main story at the steps was more effective.

“The movie ends when he goes up the stairs, and then we decided to put the fight over the end credits.”

Farrelly compared the experience to the original ROCKY, which also underwent a significant change to its ending during the editing process.

For the director, both films demonstrated an important lesson about filmmaking: sometimes the most powerful ending is not the one originally planned.

Farrelly also explained why Stallone’s real-life journey resonated so deeply with him.

“This is exactly Rocky, except Rocky’s fiction. This is a real person, Stallone. And it somehow hit me harder because of that.”

Peter Farrelly Also Reveals Kingpin 2 Is in Development

Before discussing I PLAY ROCKY, Farrelly shared an unexpected update about another beloved film from his career.

When Nerdtropolis expressed appreciation for his classic R-rated comedies, Farrelly revealed that he and his brother Bobby are working on a sequel to their 1996 bowling comedy KINGPIN.

“My brother and I are working on Kingpin 2 right now,” Farrelly revealed. “We have a nice idea, so we’re looking forward to doing that.”

The surprise update offered an exciting bonus during a conversation already filled with fascinating Hollywood stories.

WATCH: Peter Farrelly discusses Stallone’s improvised Rocky scene, the deleted Apollo Creed fight, and KINGPIN 2.

Anthony Ippolito Reveals His Emotional First Conversations With Sylvester Stallone

Taking on the role of Sylvester Stallone is no small challenge, especially when portraying an actor whose voice, physical presence, and personality are instantly recognizable around the world.

For Anthony Ippolito, the process began well before cameras started rolling on I PLAY ROCKY.

During our exclusive interview, Ippolito explained that he began studying Stallone after learning that Farrelly and producer Toby Emmerich were developing a film about the actor’s early career.

The opportunity eventually led to an extended period of preparation, during which Ippolito immersed himself in Stallone’s personality, mannerisms, and physicality.

When asked whether there was a specific moment when he stopped studying Stallone and began feeling like the actor himself, Ippolito admitted that the transformation happened gradually.

“Somewhere along the lines, you just kind of fall into it, and it just kind of takes over.”

He also credited the rest of the cast for creating an environment where everyone could fully embrace their performances.

What Happened When Anthony Ippolito Finally Spoke With Stallone?

Perhaps the most meaningful part of Ippolito’s preparation came when he finally had the opportunity to speak directly with the man he was portraying.

The actor revealed that he had spoken with Stallone several times and described the Hollywood legend as extraordinarily generous with his time.

However, their first conversation came with considerable nerves.

“I was super nervous to speak to him,” Ippolito admitted.

With filming approximately one month away, the importance of the role had grown into something enormous in his mind.

Despite the extensive research he had already completed, speaking directly with Stallone offered insight that could never be fully captured through interviews, archival footage, or previous performances.

“There’s nothing like getting to speak directly to him,” Ippolito explained.

He described Stallone as kind, generous, and disarming, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from the actor.

Ippolito’s transformation is especially impressive considering this is not his first time portraying a legendary Hollywood performer.

He previously played a young Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series THE OFFER, which explored the making of THE GODFATHER.

When Nerdtropolis jokingly asked whether another famous Italian-American actor might be next on his list, Ippolito suggested that he might explore fictional characters instead.

However, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to help tell the stories behind iconic films and the performers who inspired generations of actors.

Anthony Ippolito Reveals His Favorite Rocky Sequel

Naturally, we couldn’t end our conversation without asking Ippolito about his favorite ROCKY movie to revisit.

His answer was immediate: ROCKY IV.

The actor enthusiastically selected the 1985 sequel, which features Rocky’s unforgettable showdown with Ivan Drago, as his personal rewatch favorite.

The choice led to a shared appreciation for the film and a joking suggestion of a future watch party.

WATCH: Anthony Ippolito reveals what it was like speaking with Sylvester Stallone before portraying him in I PLAY ROCKY.

AnnaSophia Robb Reveals the Personal Message Stallone Shared About His First Wife

While Stallone’s determination remains at the center of I PLAY ROCKY, the film also explores the importance of the people who stood beside him when his dreams appeared almost impossible.

AnnaSophia Robb portrays Sasha, inspired by Stallone’s first wife, Sasha Czack, whose support becomes an emotional foundation for the story.

During our conversation, Robb discussed how the film celebrates not only the person pursuing a dream but also those who make sacrifices along the way.

“Rocky is the ultimate underdog story, and this is about the reality of the underdog story,” Robb explained.

She emphasized that extraordinary accomplishments are rarely achieved alone, especially in an industry where years of dedication can pass before a breakthrough arrives.

For Robb, portraying Sasha also carried a deeply personal connection.

The actress reflected on moments throughout her own career when family members and loved ones offered encouragement during periods of uncertainty.

She recalled feeling disappointed following her audition for I PLAY ROCKY, believing she had performed poorly.

Afterward, her husband met her at a park and offered encouragement.

Robb ultimately landed the role, reinforcing the importance of having someone who believes in you when your own confidence begins to fade.

Stallone Described His Marriage as Two Rocks Leaning Against Each Other

One of the most touching revelations from our interview involved a personal message Stallone shared about his relationship with Sasha.

Robb explained that she wanted to approach the character respectfully, particularly because Sasha is a private individual whose personal experiences deserve thoughtful consideration.

While researching the role, Robb learned about Sasha’s artistic background, including her interests in photography and the creative world.

However, a message from Stallone provided something especially meaningful.

“Sly wrote a note that was passed along to me about how their marriage was two rocks leaning against each other and that she was sunshine.”

The description helped Robb understand the relationship as one built on mutual support, creativity, and belief.

Rather than portraying Sasha simply as someone supporting Stallone’s ambition, Robb wanted audiences to recognize her own artistic spirit, hopes, and determination.

The Emotional Line That Captures the Heart of I Play Rocky

During our conversation, Nerdtropolis brought up one of the film’s most memorable moments, a scene inside a Volkswagen during a rainstorm.

Sasha reminds Stallone that he does not have to face the world alone.

“It’s not you against the world, it’s us against the world.”

The line captures one of the film’s most meaningful themes: believing in another person’s dream can require just as much courage as pursuing your own.

For Robb, Sasha represents a fearless and hopeful spirit, someone willing to embrace uncertainty while continuing to believe in the possibilities ahead.

The actress also spoke about the challenges Sasha faced while pursuing dreams of her own, including financial uncertainty, pregnancy, and the unpredictable realities of life in Los Angeles.

Ultimately, Robb wanted to honor a woman whose belief in Stallone played an important role during a defining chapter of his life.

WATCH: AnnaSophia Robb reveals Sylvester Stallone’s personal message about Sasha and the emotional meaning behind I PLAY ROCKY.

Stephan James and Kiki Seto Recreate Two of Rocky’s Most Iconic Characters

Few cinematic characters are as instantly recognizable as Apollo Creed and Adrian Pennino.

Portrayed in the original ROCKY by Carl Weathers and Talia Shire, the characters became essential parts of the franchise’s emotional legacy.

For Stephan James and Kiki Seto, I PLAY ROCKY presented an unusual acting challenge.

They were not simply playing Apollo and Adrian. They were portraying the real actors behind those characters while also recreating their unforgettable performances.

During our exclusive conversation, both performers discussed how they approached these dual responsibilities without allowing their portrayals to become simple imitations.

Kiki Seto Studied Talia Shire and Adrian From Different Directions

Seto revealed that she approached Talia Shire and Adrian as two separate acting challenges.

For Shire, she conducted extensive research, listening to interviews and podcasts, watching films, reading books, and speaking directly with the actress.

Her approach to Adrian was different.

Seto carefully studied the character’s physical movements and voice before working backward to understand the emotions and motivations behind them.

The goal was not simply to recreate how Adrian looked or sounded but to understand why the character behaved the way she did.

The distinction helped Seto bring greater authenticity to both performances.

Stephan James Wanted to Discover the Carl Weathers Audiences Never Saw

For James, portraying Carl Weathers meant exploring the man beyond his famous role as Apollo Creed.

Although audiences know Weathers through the ROCKY franchise, James wanted to better understand who the actor might have been when the cameras were not rolling.

He explored Weathers’ larger body of work, including PREDATOR and ACTION JACKSON, searching for details that might offer insight into the performer’s personality.

James explained that recreating a real actor also provides a unique opportunity to explore aspects of that person audiences may never have experienced.

“I think I took pride in being able to show audiences something that they may not have seen in the film.”

His approach was about finding the humanity behind a larger-than-life Hollywood figure while honoring the performance that made Apollo Creed a cinematic legend.

The Costumes That Made Their Transformations Feel Real

Beyond research and preparation, both actors revealed that their costumes played an important role in bringing these familiar figures to life.

James enthusiastically praised his wardrobe, joking that he wished he could take some of the clothing home.

For Seto, one particular costume piece helped everything click: Adrian’s red beret.

When she put on the red beret with the black suit worn during the fight, the experience suddenly felt surreal.

“The red beret,” Seto recalled, describing the moment when she saw herself transformed into the beloved character.

For fans of the original ROCKY, these familiar visual details help connect the new film with the characters and performances that audiences have treasured for decades.

Can Stephan James Actually Box and Kiki Seto Ice Skate?

We ended our conversation with a fun question inspired by their characters.

Could James actually box, and could Seto really ice skate?

Seto admitted that she could ice skate well enough, while James enthusiastically declared that his experience making the film had given him some genuine boxing ability.

“I guess I can box now,” James joked. “After I’ve done the film, so it’s not a lie anymore.”

Seto added a playful observation about the seemingly endless abilities expected of actors.

“Apparently we can do anything.”

Their exchange offered a lighthearted conclusion to a fascinating discussion about the work involved in recreating two beloved performers and the characters they made famous.

WATCH: Stephan James and Kiki Seto discuss becoming Carl Weathers and Talia Shire, recreating Apollo Creed and Adrian, and learning to box and ice skate.

I Play Rocky Celebrates the Real Underdog Behind a Hollywood Legend

What makes I PLAY ROCKY such a compelling story is that its emotional foundation extends far beyond Hollywood nostalgia.

The original ROCKY became an enduring classic because audiences connected with a character who refused to let his circumstances determine his future.

Now, nearly five decades later, I PLAY ROCKY explores how those same qualities defined the real-life actor who created him.

From Anthony Ippolito’s remarkable transformation into Stallone to AnnaSophia Robb’s portrayal of the sacrifices behind his success, the film brings renewed attention to the people, relationships, and moments that helped shape cinematic history.

Stephan James and Kiki Seto further celebrate the performers whose contributions made the original movie unforgettable, while Peter Farrelly approaches the material with a clear appreciation for its emotional legacy.

As our conversations with the director and cast reveal, the making of ROCKY was never simply about one actor getting his big break.

It was about conviction, sacrifice, creative collaboration, and the willingness to keep fighting for something when nearly everyone else believed it was impossible.

For generations of moviegoers, Rocky Balboa has represented the courage to stand up after being knocked down.

I PLAY ROCKY reminds audiences that before Rocky Balboa became an icon, Sylvester Stallone had to fight for his own chance to step into the ring.

I PLAY ROCKY is now playing in select theaters on November 6, with a nationwide theatrical release on November 20.

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