First Look at ‘I Play Rocky’ Explores Iconic Film’s Backstory at CinemaCon
Amazon MGM Studios screened footage from I Play Rocky at CinemaCon on Wednesday night. Director Peter Farrelly and several cast members joined the presentation onstage.
First look and what the footage shows
The CinemaCon presentation offered a First Look that probes the iconic film’s backstory. It centers on a young Sylvester Stallone who struggles with a partially paralyzed face and a speech impediment.
The footage shows him writing a screenplay that attracts studio interest. He refuses to sell unless he can play the lead role himself.
Plot details revealed
The presentation depicts Stallone turning down a lucrative offer to protect his casting condition. He accepts low-paying work to keep control and to mount the film himself.
The project faces constant setbacks and threats of collapse. The original Rocky later emerged as one of 1976’s biggest box-office hits.
Awards and legacy
The 1976 film earned 10 Academy Award nominations and won Best Picture. Stallone received nominations for Best Actor and Original Screenplay.
Rocky became a cultural touchstone. The franchise, including the Creed spinoffs, has grossed more than $1.7 billion worldwide.
Cast and onstage presentation
Anthony Ippolito plays the young Sylvester Stallone in the new film. Ippolito previously drew notice for portraying Al Pacino in the Paramount+ series The Offer.
The ensemble also features AnnaSophia Robb, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Erik Palladino, Rob Demery, Jay Duplass, Matt Dillon, Stephan James, Kiki Seto, Robert Morgan, Saul Stein and Trevor St. John.
Ippolito, Seto, Robb and Stephan James joined Farrelly onstage to unveil the footage to exhibitors and fans.
Creative team and production details
Peter Farrelly directed the film. Producers include Toby Emmerich, Christian Baha and Farrelly.
Peter Gamble wrote the screenplay. FilmNation Entertainment is providing production services and handling international sales.
Filmogaz.com covered the CinemaCon unveiling and the early preview of I Play Rocky for readers following the film’s development.
