Why the I Play Rocky Trailer Has Us Counting Down the Days

Some movie trailers grab your attention. Others remind you why we love going to the movies in the first place. The first official trailer for I Play Rocky did exactly that, and now our excitement level is through the roof.

For fans of Rocky, Sylvester Stallone, and incredible underdog stories, this film looks like it could be something truly special. Rather than retelling the story of Rocky Balboa, I Play Rocky takes us behind the scenes and tells the remarkable true story of how a struggling actor and writer fought against the odds to bring Rocky to life and insisted on starring in it himself. 

The trailer immediately captures the grit, determination, and self-belief that made Stallone's journey legendary. It's a reminder that the story behind Rocky may be every bit as inspiring as the movie itself. From rejection and financial struggles to standing firm on his vision, Stallone's real-life battle feels like the ultimate underdog story. 

One of the biggest reasons we're excited is the cast. Anthony Ippolito takes on the challenging role of a young Sylvester Stallone, and based on the trailer, he appears to have nailed both the look and mannerisms of the future Hollywood icon. He was great as a young Al Pacino in The Offer on Paramount+, an incredile show on the making of The Godfather (check it out if you haven't already).

The supporting cast is equally impressive, including:

• Matt Dillon as Frank Stallone Sr., Sylvester's father. 
• AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack, Stallone's wife.
• Stephan James as Carl Weathers, who famously portrayed Apollo Creed in the original Rocky. 
• Additional cast members include Toby Kebbell, P.J. Byrne, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, and others who help bring the making of Rocky to life. 

Another major reason for optimism is the filmmaker behind the camera. I Play Rocky is directed by Peter Farrelly, the Academy Award-winning director of Green Book. Farrelly has shown he can balance humor, heart, and emotional storytelling, and the trailer suggests he'll bring those same strengths to Stallone's inspiring journey. Let's not forget his other classics such Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin, Hall Pass and more.

If the trailer is any indication, I Play Rocky could be one of the most uplifting and inspirational movies of the year. It celebrates taking a chance on yourself, refusing to quit, and believing in your vision when nobody else does. In other words, it's the perfect tribute to the spirit of Rocky.

What are you throughts on the trailer? Comment below for a chance to get a shout out on our review when the film comes out this fall.